Issue - meetings

This report provides an overview of the consultation methods and approach used by BCP Council to consult on various decisions and issues.

The consultation framework is due to be refreshed, and this is an opportunity to receive feedback from the Board ahead of that work.

The Portfolio Holder for presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Board received a presentation from the research and Consultation Manager, a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘B’ to these minutes in the minute book. The report provided an overview of the consultation methods and approach used by BCP Council to consult on various decisions and issues. The Board was advised that the consultation framework was due to be refreshed, and this was an opportunity to receive feedback from the Board ahead of that work. A number of issues were raised by the Board including:

·     Return address for hard copies – Normally people were asked to return paper copies to libraries, or the civic centre address would be provided. It was noted that there wasn’t one provided for the Community Governance Review Consultation, and this would be looked into.

·     Biases in consultations – It was noted that responses for consultations were always on a scale. However, it was suggested that the wording of questions sometimes prompted a particular response in a certain direction. The Baord was advised that proposals and options were provided from services that he consultation team was working with but it was something which could be considered in greater depth.

·     Analysis of Data - The raw data was not normally directly handed to the service areas, instead a fully analysed outcome would be provided. For example, the feedback from the Poole Park consultation was strongly supported by a robust analysis from the consultation team.

·     Annual Survey – Unfortunately the trajectory of the survey was negative. People did not feel that they can influence, and people do not feel that people can influence decisions in the local area.

·     Consultation login - There was a concern from members of the public of all persuasions, that surveys could be manipulated. There was also concern that people did not receive feedback following a consultation. It was suggested that a login system would be able to partially address these issues.

·     Response to Consultations – It was noted that the results of the Poole Park and Unauthorised Camping consultations appeared to have been ignored which eroded public confidence. It was stated that consultations were not referenda; but a way to try to understand what the community wants.  It may be helpful to provide more information on how consultation responses would be used, the objective and vision and priorities related to the consultation.

·     Rewards / incentives for completing consultations – Incentives were used when carrying out research but not consultations. It was thought there may be some difficulty with this, but it could be looked into to see if any other authorities used this approach.

·     Reaching under represented demographics/viewpoints – It was hoped that a residents panel might help with the issue of not getting the middle ground responses or responses from those not directly invested in a particular  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68