Purpose

The Participation Strategy 2023-27 seeks to improve engagement with seldom heard voices and to amplify the voices of people who are currently less likely to get involved in the decision-making process. It is made up of two parts; part one focuses on Consultation and Engagement to Promote Citizen Voice in Decision-making and part two focuses on Promoting Participation in the Democratic Process. Each part is followed by an action plan. The strategy is a requirement of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021.

Decision

RESOLVED: that

1. the Participation Strategy 2023-27 be approved;
2. it be noted that no changes are to be made to the approved Petition Scheme, which is to be reviewed again in 2025/26;
3. The Constitution Guide be approved and the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any minor amendments which may be required from time to time; and
4. authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Tackling Poverty, Equality & Public Health, to make any consequential amendments to the draft Participation Strategy 2023-27 following any recommendations made by the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee, together with any other minor amendments, as necessary, prior to publication.