Decision

It was moved by Councillor O’Connor, seconded by Councillor Thomason-Kenyon and

RESOLVED that Cabinet is requested to

1. Recognise the importance of meaningful public engagement where Council decisions are reasonably expected to have a material environmental or public health impact on residents, communities or local environments and recognise that town and parish councils are the tier of local government closest to residents, are frequently the first point of contact for — and are often held responsible by residents for — decisions actually taken at unitary level, so that early and genuine engagement with them is essential both to sound decision-making and to public trust.
2. Note and welcome the Council's existing Consultation and Engagement Framework, including the Consultation and Engagement Toolkit and the Cornwall Development and Decision Wheel process, recognising that these provide an important foundation for effective public participation, evidence-based decision-making and democratic accountability.
3. Review whether existing decision-making and reporting processes provide sufficient assurance that:

a. consultation and engagement requirements are identified at an early stage; b. affected communities, and the town and parish councils in whose area a decision will have material effect, are consulted early, at a formative stage, and given a reasonable opportunity to contribute, with their responses recorded and reported to the decision-maker;

c. consultation and engagement activity is proportionate to the nature and significance of the proposed decision;

d. environmental, public health and community impacts are appropriately considered and recorded within existing governance processes.

e. the framework is being applied consistently across the Council's directorates and decision-making processes.

f. where a decision departs from the clearly expressed view of the relevant town or parish council, the reasons are communicated back to that council.

1. Consider whether any enhancements to the existing Consultation and Engagement Framework, supporting guidance, reporting arrangements or governance processes would further strengthen transparency, consistency, meaningful community engagement and public confidence in decisions that may have material environmental or public health impacts.
2. Complete the review and determine whether any enhancements to the Council's existing Consultation and Engagement Framework, supporting guidance or governance arrangements are appropriate, and to publish the outcome of that review.