The big story of the week from Westminster was the announcement of the inquiry into the government response to coronavirus, which we’ve written about here (the short version: we think that the Government should be consulting on the terms of reference). There was also a speech by the Queen. Which we anticipated here. So what […]
The Week in Parliament Read More »
Many have welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment to area-based regeneration in the most deprived towns through the £3.6 billion Towns Fund. However, the process of selecting towns eligible for the fund has been subject to much political controversy and criticism. Regardless of politics, councils still have to undertake a high level of community engagement, and
Towns Fund: How were towns selected, and what might be the consequences? Read More »
Following the success of the ‘Online Engagement Techniques’ course we created for Healthwatch England, we were given the opportunity to produce a second bespoke online training module for local Healthwatch across England. The impact of the pandemic forced local Healthwatch to abandon public events and face-to-face engagement, and find new ways to reach the seldom-heard,
Healthwatch England and the Institute continue online learning collaboration Read More »
After a busy week in local politics last week (and national politics in the devolved nations), this week the eyes will be turning to Westminster to watch the Queen’s Speech, due to be delivered tomorrow in Parliament. The speech will set the Government’s agenda for the next parliamentary term, and will provide us with a
The Queen’s Speech 2021- a bumper crop of controversial consultation responses Read More »
Last week we saw a bumper load of elections right across the UK. Locals, PCC, devolved administrations, more or less everywhere was been slipping into a booth to put crosses in boxes. I love voting. I get genuinely excited in the build up and as I leave, content in having done my part, I almost
Democracy in action- consultation and the health of society Read More »
When they win; they claim it’s because they have listened. When they lose, they promise to listen better. Let us be fair to politicians. Most of them have always listened. It’s part of the skills set of any reasonably proficient elected member – whether a Westminster MP, a Welsh, Scottish or Northern Ireland legislator or
Election winners everywhere face greater focus on public consultation Read More »
The Green Alliance has just published an excellent paper called The case for clean air zones. It comes at a time when Birmingham, our second city, is preparing to introduce its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and many other cities are considering the prospect. We have not exactly been quick off the blocks. Such zones already
Briefing Note release All eyes are now on the Towns Fund! The Consultation Institute has published its latest briefing note on the Towns Fund- a test for post-Covid community engagement. And a test it is indeed, not just for those councils that have secured some money through the Fund. All councils across the UK now
All eyes on the Towns Fund- A test for post-Covid community engagement Read More »
It’s not often we see a consultation response being challenged in Court. More usually, what we see is a challenge to the decision, on the basis of a flawed consultation, but this week we saw a challenge that did both. The case revolved around a planning application to develop a new headquarters for “Ben Burgess
For decades there has been a consensus that meetings of statutory authorities in England and Wales should be held in person, at least in part so that public observation of Council meetings could be easily done and contributions sought where appropriate. There was no provision for remote meetings in either statute or other governing authority.
Council court challenge to continue virtual meetings fails Read More »
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