Decision details

Seek approval for the development of a Community Engagement Strategy for BCP Council and subsequent public consultation.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           Cabinet approve the draft principles contained within Appendix A, “Community Engagement Strategy Draft Principles”, and;

(b)           Cabinet approve the implementation of the consultation methodology and timescales included in Appendix B, “Community Engagement Strategy Consultation Plan”, and:

(c)           Cabinet authorises Officers to develop a Community Regeneration Strategy in due course, and;

(d)           Cabinet approve the ongoing support of area forums and SNT panels.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Tourism, Leisure and Communities

Reason

(a)           Cabinet are recommended to approve the draft principles in order for BCP Council to progress with the development of a Community Engagement Strategy which details the approaches it will use to engaging and consulting with the community. This ensures that the Council is delivering its Corporate Plan priority of Connected Communities. The draft principles will be subject to consultation with the wider community to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the needs of the local community.

(b)           Cabinet are recommended to approve the implementation of the Community Engagement Strategy Consultation Plan in order for a robust 13-week public consultation to take place. The details within the consultation plan propose far reaching methods to ensure that alongside traditional methods of consultation we are reaching out to seek the views of those who would often not engage in mainstream consultation techniques. A far-reaching consultation with a commitment to targeted consultation in every ward in the Borough will enable BCP Council to understand how to engage and consult with all sectors of society;

(c)           Cabinet are recommended to authorise officers to begin work on a  Community Regeneration Strategy in 2020 so that the Council has clear and transparent processes for how it will prioritise areas for regeneration to ensure that they are adequately resourced and supported.

(d)           Cabinet are recommended to approve the continuation of area forums and SNT meetings to ensure that there are recognised platforms for residents to engage with the Council and partners and raise concerns as required.