Couples charged for web weddings

Cameras could also generate cash from conferences

A council says it hopes to make money from broadcasting weddings over the internet.

Durham County Council is considering setting up cameras so taxpayers can see how their money is being spent.

But officials also believe the move could be a money-spinner.

Companies and couples could be asked to pay for conferences and weddings to be beamed to friends and colleagues all over the world.

The pilot scheme is due to be considered by the authority on 29 April.

Council leader Ken Manton said today the potential benefits of web casting are now widely accepted.

He said: "A number of UK councils have already introduced web casting, both to improve communication with their local populations and in support of other initiatives.

Award ceremonies

"This pilot scheme would be another step along the way towards us bringing public facilities into the 21st Century, making the council more open, accountable and inclusive and making our officers and members more accessible."

Cabinet members will hear that in addition to council, cabinet and committee meetings, the web cast cameras could be used to broadcast other initiatives and events via the internet, including local election results, award ceremonies, and public inquiries.

And by charging for broadcasting events like conferences and civil wedding ceremonies, the authority could even recoup some of the cost.

The pilot project, which would involve 10 hours of web broadcasts a month, is likely to cost about £20,000 a year.

But independent councillor John Shuttleworth said: "We only get one or two members of the public at most who attend Cabinet meetings unless something controversial such as a school closure is considered.

"People who are interested would turn up at County Hall."