We have all responded to consultations and many feel that their responses are ignored, that their participation is a waste of time. This needs to change.
We believe strongly that true democracy is where all people have a voice, and their voice is heard.
Our commitment is to:
- Consult the community on all major decisions, encouraging open and honest debate and delivering consultations that are accessible, unbiased and transparent.
- Increase public engagement in democracy, through easy access to relevant information and simple consultation response structures that facilitate engagement; and through promoting elections with the aim of increasing voter turnout.
- Make decisions that are informed and shaped by consultation responses. Actions will not be pre-determined, but informed by public views and preferences.
- Ensure councillors are accountable to the public, with consequences for dereliction of duty.
- Represent and act in the best interests of the people.