To consider the submitted report on the above Policy Framework Strategy.

Members considered the submitted report which set out how the Council will communicate, consult and engage.

It was proposed by Councillor Mills and seconded by Councillor Ellery:

(i)            that the Communication, Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2016 – 2020 set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted be approved; and

(ii)          that a Communication, Consultation and Engagement Working Party be established comprising five Members politically balanced with the following terms of reference:

·               to develop the approach for improving Members and officers working together to ensure that Members are aware of all engagement activity;

·               to develop approaches to ensure Members are equipped to promote and be involved in engagement activity; and

·               to develop a set of key performance indicators against which this strategy and the action plan can be measured.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried (unanimous).

To consider the draft Communication, Consultation and Engagement Strategy and make any recommendations to the Mayor.

Councillor Bent provided feedback from the task-and-finish group which had met to review the draft Consultation, Communication and Engagement Strategy.

Resolved:  that a response be submitted to the Mayor’s consultation on his draft Consultation, Communication and Engagement Strategy based on the following points:

1.    There is currently a lack of capacity within Corporate Services to effectively deliver the proposed strategy and this has potentially serious implications for the reputation of the Council and puts the authority at the risk of legal challenge.

2.    The Council should look to work with partner organisations to establish a protocol for joint communications and, where appropriate, consultation.

3.    In order to better inform and engage with its residents, the Council should invest in its website and assess the costs of including additional communication material with items that are currently posted to households such as Council Tax bills.

4.    The Strategy should include an aim or objective of seeking to engage with and empower the public and stakeholders in order to bring about positive change for the good of the community.

5.    The Strategy should make clear that any consultation undertaken by the Council should be agreed by the Corporate Support team in order that the risk of potential legal challenge can be mitigated.

6.    The Strategy should address how the Council, and Councillors in particular, can manage the public’s expectations in terms of consultation and engagement.

7.    Consideration should be given to have a limited number of key performance indicators to measure how engaged the public believe they are in the Council’s business.

8.    There should be a Customer Service Training Programme for all public facing officers.

9.    The feasibility of having an online e-Viewpoint Panel through a dedicated website and via social media should be explored.

10. The Strategy should include an action plan so that its effectiveness can be monitored.