THE viewing figures are unlikely to be as high as for Channel 4’s coverage of the Ashes.

But Kent County Council is claiming to be taking the first step towards bringing local democracy into people’s homes on Monday (September 19) when it broadcasts a council meeting live on its website for the first time.

Residents will be able to tune in to the meeting of KCC’s Conservative-run cabinet being held at Maidstone’s County Hall via the council’s website.

While it will be transmitted live via a webcast, the meeting, which starts at 10am, will also be available to view after the event.

Monday’s meeting will include a discussion by county councillors about how Kent is gearing up for the London Olympics.

KCC cabinet member for resources Kevin Lynes said: "This is an important trial broadcast to help try and make the county council as accessible as possible. There are an awful lot of people who do take an interest in local issues but do not always have the chance to come to meetings because of work or other commitments."

He accepted that if webcasts became a permanent feature of KCC’s activities, councillors might have to consider more carefully how talk and act.

"I really do hope that the quality of debate will improve if people know that there are ordinary members of the public out there watching them. It is great to increase access in this way," he added.

If successful, KCC is likely to consider putting packages of news on its website about its activities.