COMMUNITIES HAVE SAY IN WHO HAS SAY

Date of Release: 03/07/07

COMMUNITITIES in Charnwood are being asked to comment on the look, feel and responsibility for a series of groups that will push local issues to the right people, in the right organisation to deliver results.

The groups, referred to as ‘Area Forums’, will aim to increase people’s direct involvement in their communities, including linking directly to local Councillors but also pushing to solve local issues head-on.

Cllr Richard Shepherd, Chair of Charnwood Together, explained: “This is about people working together, with the right authorities and organisation to make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.”

Charnwood Together, the voluntary, non-executive partnership which brings together the local authorities, public service providers and statutory agencies, businesses, voluntary organisations and the local community, is now asking for comment on what the Area Forum should look like, how they should act and who should be members.

Cllr Shepherd, added: “Area Forums will be about bringing representatives together focus on local issues.

“The Forum sessions will be open to the public and Forums will be encouraged to have time in their sessions for a public question time.”

The proposals that are now being consulted on have been developed in response to decisions of Leicestershire Together, the county level Local Strategic Partnership, to promote the creation of such Forums across the whole County of Leicestershire.

The consultation document has been sent out to Parish and Town Councils and other local organisations and partners asking for their preferred geographical model and comments on the membership and the decision making responsibilities of each forum and members of the public are also able to comment by visiting http://www.charnwoodtogether.com/places_matter/charnwood_area_forums_consultations

The consultation finishes in August and a final decision will be made in September with the first forum meetings planned for October/November.