Agenda item

* RESOLVED -

That the Community Engagement Strategy 2014-2017 be referred to Full Council for approval.

The Policy Officer submitted a report recommending the approval of a new Community Engagement Strategy 2014/17.

Since the strategy was last reviewed in 2009, there had been changes in legislative requirements and expectations of local authorities in terms of community engagement and participation. These included the Equalities Act 2010 (Public Sector Equality Duty), Best Value Guidance (Duty to Consult), and Consultation Principles Guidance (2013).

The Community Engagement Strategy was intended to provide a framework for the Council’s community engagement activity, and to improve the quality and accessibility of engagement opportunities within the Borough. As part of the service planning process, community engagement needs and opportunities for 2014/15 were to be identified by individual services with monitoring and review to be carried out by the Council’s Community Engagement Group.

* RESOLVED -

That the Community Engagement Strategy 2014-2017 be referred to Full Council for approval.

REASON FOR DECISION

To respond to relevant legislation and provide a corporate framework for community engagement activity across the Council.