DECISION

1.    Approve the Community Engagement Strategy as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    Note the consultation with residents, partners, staff, and elected members to develop the strategy as set out in Appendix 2.

3.    Note the result of the equality screening as set out in para 4.1.

Action by

DIRECTOR. OF STRATEGY, TRANSFORMATION & IMPROVEMENT (R BEATTIE)

Head of Corporate Strategy & Communities (A. Hoque)

Craig Morbey, Strategy and Policy Lead and Robin Beattie, Director. of Strategy, Transformation & Improvement introduced the report that outlines the Council vision for community engagement to be ’a council that listens to communities to build a borough that works for everyone.’ Craig briefly summarised the Strategy’s six priorities.

Steve Haley, Chief Executive, ecplained how the strategy would ensure a joined-up, corporate approach to engagement.

Cabinet members welcomed the report and encouraged the Mayor to consider even more engagement activities to listen to residents, such as exploring participatory budgets. Members also highlighted how technical ability can be barriers to participation on consultations.

The Mayor welcomed the new strategy which he hoped would improve the way the Council engages with and consults residents. He emphasised his manifesto commitment to become a ‘listening council’. He also stressed the Council must work with faith communities and BAME media to best utilise local resources.  

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1.    Approves the Community Engagement Strategy as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    Notes the consultation with residents, partners, staff, and elected members to develop the strategy as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

3.    Notes the result of the equality screening as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report.