07/02/2012
Reading Borough Council Press Release
The success of the first phase of Reading Borough Council's 'We Need To
Talk' public engagement programme is outlined in a report going to a
Cabinet meeting later this month, along with the next steps in the
process.
Last summer year the Council launched a new way of working with local
people, aimed at building long-lasting relationships with local
residents and providing new opportunities to influence Council decisions
and services. The 'We Need to Talk' public engagement initiative
focused on the difficult decisions facing the council in the current
economic climate and gave local people the chance to have their say on
the issues that matter most to them and their communities.
With 780 online responses, 30 community engagement events spread across
the borough and a successful community event at the Town Hall attended
by 150 people, Reading residents have provided a rich source of
information on their priorities. A separate Resident's Survey confirmed
the feedback received in the 'We Need to Talk' consultation.
Crime, clean streets, road and pavements repairs, levels of traffic
congestion, good schools and public transport were all identified as
important areas for Reading residents. Crime and clean streets were
identified as the highest priorities. This information is consistent
with the Council's 2008 and 2009 Residents Surveys, although affordable
housing has moved up significantly in importance since they took place.
Strengths for Reading were highlighted as parks and open spaces, good
neighbours, health services, public transport and good schools.
Young people highlighted youth centres, activities and places to meet,
buses and transport, educational and employment as the most important
areas for them.
The Residents Survey showed that many people have a real appetite for
being part of an on-going programme of engagement, either on specific
topics of interest or more broadly.
People's views and priorities are being used by Reading Borough Council
to inform budget decisions going forward, including in responding to
people's concerns about protecting key frontline services.
The report - which goes to meeting of Reading Borough Council's Cabinet
on February 13th - includes detailed information on the results of the
public consultation as well as describing the next steps in the process
in an appendix which includes detail on how priorities are being taken
forward with further resident involvement.
Some of the next steps include:
" On-going follow through with ideas and suggestions from phase 1 of the 'We Need To Talk' consultation
" Further development of a database of residents who wish to be consulted or involved further, on specific subjects or generally
" Further development the link between the engagement programme and the
budget setting process, including ongoing dialogue about the hard
decisions the Council must make in the face of a reducing budget
" The delivery of a 'Let's Talk Health' initiative to inform and shape local priorities when national reforms are implemented
Jan Gavin, Reading's Lead Councillor for Service Delivery and
Improvement, said: 'This administration promised residents that we would
listen to them, so we have started a conversation with residents about
what is most important to them. Even though there is less money, we want
to work with residents to find new and better ways to deliver improved
services. Residents will be able to see in the budget for next year that
we have listened and taken action on what they have told us matters to
them. This is not a one-off, we will continue to listen and talk to
residents.'
Bet Tickner, Lead Councillor for Public Engagement and Health, added:
'The Council has now launched 'Let's Talk Health.' We are asking Reading
residents to tell us what are their priorities for their own health and
for healthcare in Reading, via a survey and public meetings. It's
important to ask residents this now because, under the NHS Bill now
going through Parliament, the Council will in future have a role in
co-ordinating healthcare in Reading. We are determined that the public
must have a voice in setting these priorities for health, after all it's
our NHS..'

Welcome to my blog. I am using it to keep you updated on my work as a councillor for Battle ward, Chair of the Art and Heritage forum and an activist for Unite the Union. I cover the issues affecting Battle ward and Reading residents. There may also be the occasional random post about things I am interested in.
Featured post
Question to council: William Marshal
Richard Stainthorp to ask the Lead Councillor for Culture Heritage and Recreation: William Marshal As I am sure the Lead Councillor is awar...

Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment