Issue - meetings

(A report of James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Anne Dorrian

The Leader presented the report which sought approval of the Partnership’s Engagement Pledge, which was detailed in Appendix A within the report. The Leader advised that the engagement charter report followed South Holland District Council's peer review in July 2023 from which they had a recommendation to strengthen how the voice of residents and communities informed future service delivery. As a result it had been recommended that Boston Borough Council also adopt this Charter as part of the partnership’s corporate approach to engagement.

Members noted that the engagement charter set out the broad principles of how each Council would approach its engagement work, and it made clear each Council's commitment to providing a clear and consistent approach when engaging with the residents, businesses and stakeholders. The report also made clear the difference between engagement and consultation, engagement being a long term relationship building function and consultation being more short term and subject specific.

Both East Lindsey and South Holland District Council had adopted the Charter, the Charter also having been consulted on via Scrutiny at all three Councils. If approved, it would be published alongside the partnership’s communication strategy and would be made public on the partnership website.

Councillor Callum Butler announced his support of the proposal. He felt it was vital to engage in a succinct way with residents, to keep them fully informed and to help them understand the role of the Council better.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Dale Broughton.

RESOLVED:

That the Engagement Pledge in Appendix A within the report be approved.