Issue - meetings

(Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Communication) To update Overview and Scrutiny on the review of the consultation strategy and proposals for development of a new strategy.

The Committee received a report on the review of the consultation strategy and proposals for the development of a new strategy. Cllr Cooke, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Involvement, introduced the report and reported that the strategy would sit alongside the communications strategy, and within the Community Engagement Framework.

The Committee enquired regarding the process for recruiting area panels. It was emphasised that robust structures would be necessary to ensure that the process was democratic and open. The Committee requested that they be kept updated as to progress with the recruitment process.

In response to a question from the Committee, it was reported that, where response rates to previous consultations had been low, reasons would be identified and ways of addressing this in future would be incorporated into the strategy.

The role of area assemblies was discussed and it was agreed that, where  there was disparity between different area assemblies in terms of taking recommendations forward, this should be looked into.

The Committee thanked the Cabinet Member for presenting the report, and looked forward to further updates with progress.

RESOLVED

That the content of the report be noted.