WORCESTER City Council has voted in favour of live streaming its meetings - but the plan will now go to another committee for a final decision.

The plan could cost up to £50,000 to be installed.

Green councillor Louis Stephen proposed the council consider options for live audio streaming, estimated to cost £3,900, or live video streaming at council and committee meetings.

There were two options for live video; mobile with two cameras on a trolley, estimated to cost £20,000 or a fixed camera option estimated to cost £27,000.

The overall estimated costs of the fixed camera options included £7,000 set up fee, £14,000 for the first licence and £13,000 for the second licence, resulting in the total of £27,000 for licence and set up fees.

Cllr Stephen said: "The initiative will allow viewers to tell exactly who is speaking and will improve the accountancy and transparency of council business and improve public interaction."

He highlighted three initial recording options which included an audio only system, a two-camera mobile video system or an eight-camera fixed video system.

He went on to specify the benefits of the options and the council agreed the fixed option was best suited.

The fixed camera option would consist of eight cameras, with four cameras in the council chamber and four in the court room.

It would have a quicker set up time than the other options, no loose leads and there would be a reduced risk of damage due to them being fixed onto a wall.

Cllr Stephen added: "Fixed live video webcasting equipment is already being used by Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest District Council and Wychavon District Council, with Wyre Forest receiving 900 views of its meeting in the last year."

Labour council leader Adrian Gregson said: "The fixed camera is our best option, though it is expensive and £27,000 is a big commitment for us, our budget already has issues."

This option means the newly refurbed microphone systems would have to be upgraded, which could cost another £30,000, bringing the total amount to more than £50,000.

Some 29 members of Worcester City Council voted in favour of live streaming meetings with one against. Two members were absent. 

The item will now be referred to the council's policy and resources committee.

Cllr Stephen added: "It must be noted costs are budget only and they are subject to negotiation."