Community engagement, next steps.

The Community Engagement Programme that was undertaken towards the end of last year is beginning to bear fruit.  Between Mid Suffolk and Babergh 560 responses were received from individuals, town and parish councils, businesses and other organisations.

The aim of the Programme was to ensure that councillors understand the needs, issues and aspirations of the Babergh community and to consider how these might be realised in the context of budget constraints and national policy

All the responses have been examined in recent months at a series of workshops for Councillors, along with information from other sources.  This has resulted in the production of a draft vision and draft priorities for each council.

Inevitably such statements, which are produced by a process of consensus, are always a little bland and obvious.  Nonetheless the exercise gives participants the opportunity to focus on what really matters to the majority and to discard hobby horses ridden by some of the more vociferous, but not necessarily representative individuals and bodies.

Babergh’s draft vision has emerged as:  “To create an environment where individuals, families, communities and businesses can thrive and flourish.”  Its draft priorities are to:-

1.     Shape, influence and provide the leadership to enable growth whilst protecting and enhancing our environment.

2.     Shape, influence and provide the leadership to achieve the right mix and supply of housing.

3.     Shape, influence and provide the leadership to support and facilitate active, healthy and safe communities.

We are now moving on to decide how to adapt the council in order to make these aims a reality

Residents also made comments on what was expected from council staff in terms of responsiveness and attitudes.  I am told that many of these comments have already been acted upon, all have been noted and we are working on bringing about the cultural changes required.

Community engagement was not a one-off exercise and both councils wish to continue the dialogue.   If you have any comments, queries or suggestions relating to either Mid Suffolk or Babergh please contact us via the tellus@midsuffolk.gov.uk e-mail address.