The council is currently looking at ways to spread power among councillors and improve public engagement in decision-making.
As part of a constitutional review, the council is the currently looking into whether it should set up three or more area committees across Swale.
Area committees can give residents an opportunity to see and take part in the council’s decision-making.
The council want to know what residents think about this idea and, if they were set up, what form they should take and what powers they should have.
Cllr Mike Baldock, deputy leader of the council who is leading on the constitutional review, said:
“We want people to be more involved in the decisions we make that affect their lives.
Area committees could be a good way to do this, but we want to ask if it’s something people would support, and what they would like them to do.
Is three the right number, or would more be better? What decisions could they take? How could non-councillors get involved?
We genuinely want to know what people think so it can help shape what we do going forward to help reconnect people with their council.”
Area committees can take many forms and can be made up of different people such as borough councillors, members of the public and representatives from other public bodies such as parish and town councils.
Their role could be to:
• make strategic action plans for the relevant areas
• make strategic action plans for the relevant areas
• advise and respond to consultations on behalf of the local community
• make decisions that allocate resources to projects
To take part in the survey, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/area-committees-consultation or pick up a paper copy from Swale House reception or Sheerness Gateway and respond by Friday, 1st November.
Swale Borough Council
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