Issued: 7 December 2004
Council Committed to Community Consultation
As part of its ongoing commitment to engage and consult with local communities, Angus Council has undertaken a review of its decentralisation arrangements.
Following discussions with its community planning partners and community councils in the county, the council has agreed that area forums will now be held to discuss major issues within communities as they arise.
The change was revealed at a meeting of the council's Strategic Policy Committee on Tuesday 7 December.
Council Leader Rob Murray said: "Area forums have played a major role in the council's Decentralisation Scheme and since they were launched, have provided a platform for the council and its communities to meet and consider various items of interest.
"However it is now accepted that the council needs to move away from the current system of holding three area forums a year, arranging local area forum meetings when there is a specific proposal or issue upon which the council wishes to consult with the wider community.
"In this way they will still provide a valuable vehicle for communicating with local people on specific issues."
Councillor Murray added that the council had taken on board the view expressed during the consultation with community councils and community planning partners.
"The council is still committed to consulting and engaging with Angus people and has been instrumental in the development of local partnerships throughout the area which bring together various organisations to jointly plan services, and encourage communities to become involved in the decision making process. Individual issues or queries can still be raised at anytime with elected members and officers or by using local ACCESS offices or calling ACCESS Line on 08452 777 778."