Agenda item

(1)       Mr Gough and Mrs Hill introduced an update report on developments regarding consultation, engagement and involvement within the authority from 1 April 2009 – 31 March 2010.

(2)       In response to a question Mrs Hill stated that most of the consultations etc were carried out by staff as part of their role and therefore it was difficult to work out the cost of each consultation.  Regarding the use by partners and other Councils of information gathered by the County Council, often the information was not detailed enough for our partners, however it was possible to use MOSAIC to increase the sample at district level in order to gain more information. 

(3)       The importance of avoiding duplication in information gathering across the public sector was emphasised. Mr Bowles stated that it was essential to rationalise the gathering of information to avoid costly duplication.  He stated that a report was being prepared which evaluated the localism pilots across Kent.  Members referred to participatory budgeting sessions that had been held in their areas, how these had been resourced and that they had been excellent networking opportunities for local groups, which had even benefited groups who were not successful in their bid. 

(4)       The Leader spoke about the value of putting all services such as engagement and communication together to avoid duplication across directorates.   It was important to look at how we could do things better and at a lower cost.  In relation to a question on the effectiveness of Around Kent, he stated that there was a need to look at how the public section communicates with the public to avoid duplication.

(5)       A Member referred to the viral marketing of the HOUSE project which had been successful with no formal advertising.   He also referred to the confusion around the policy for the use of social media such as Facebook by officers as part of their role.    Mrs Hill undertook to provide Members with details of the policy for using Facebook.

(6)       A Member referred to the amount of unnecessary consultation carried out which diluted the Elected Members representative role, and took up a lot of Member and officer time.

(7)       The Leader stated that in about nine months time it would be possible to set out proposals for how engagement activities could be carried out more efficiently.  There was a need to avoid duplication around consultation and communication.

(8)       Mrs Hill informed Members that there was a consultation directory on kent.gov and that it was possible to register and be sent email alerts.

(9)       Mrs Hill undertook to supply information on how to access the Youth Opportunity Fund to Tamanna Miah and Troy Barton (Youth Takeover week representatives).

(5)       Mr Barden (who was shadowing Mr Burgess as part of Youth Takeover Week) referred to the involvement that he had on the board of his local youth club and the opportunity it provided for young people to have an ownership of their youth facilities.  He also explained the importance of the voice of young people, not just those who were members of the youth county council or youth parliament being heard. 

(6)       RESOLVED that the report and the comments made by Members be noted and a short report be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee on the cost of consultation and outcomes, with an emphasis on avoiding duplication in consultations across the public sector.