Principles met

  • We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
  • We will explore ways for councils to act as a platform for helping the community to contribute to local outcomes, and to re-think the role of councillors as community connectors, brokers and leaders.
  • We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.
  • As a membership organisation, we will make this statement of our principles operational by: • Co-operation among members: Our members work together to help each other implement our values, sharing experiences and learning. • Openness of membership: Full, Associate and Affiliate Membership is open to any qualifying Council, organisation or individual who shares our values and is committed to putting them into action. • Co-production of the Network’s work: Members help shape the Network’s work programme and the content of events and written products. • Action-focused: The network is a vehicle for helping councils translate co-operative values and principles into policy and practice. •Membership-based: The network is majority funded by modest membership subscriptions from its member Councils, Associates and Affiliates. •Non-party-political: Members share the belief that working co-operatively within and across communities holds the key to tackling today’s challenges.

One of our priorities is to improve our relationship with local people and communities. In our Community Engagement and Empowerment Strategy our mission is to be a Council that works with its residents, communities and partnerships, becoming a Council that supports, enables and empowers. This case study is an example of how we are changing the way we engage to support this.

Due to climate change and the need to protect our residents and businesses from flooding, in December 2020 we consulted on proposals for new sea defences in Paignton, one of the three towns that make up Torbay. It was clear from the feedback we received that our residents wanted us to look at more than just providing a sea defence wall. Our residents and local community wanted to be more involved in how the scheme looks, works, and benefits everyone. Because of this feedback, in May 2021 the decision was taken to pause moving forward with the original scheme.

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