We now have a much broader and more extensive duty to consult local people and other stakeholders on the way that services are delivered overall. Under Best Value the local authority must consult stakeholders for the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty to secure continuous improvement in services. These duties are in addition to consultation requirements relating to specific decisions and plans e.g. planning applications. There has been a move towards a more prescriptive and comprehensive consultation requirement.

Having a statutory duty to consult is not the only reason for doing, consultation is vital because listening and responding to our residents, partners and other service users is an essential aspect of the work of the council. Without it, councils cannot be sure that their services are the right ones or that they are democratically accountable for their actions.

Consultation therefore, is a tool that should be used to inform the Council’s Priorities, Policies, Plans and Proposals. It is an essential aspect of democracy.

The Benefits of Consultation

Consultation has clear benefits if done well and used effectively

Consultation Strategy (2007-10) 

This sets out the Council's commitment to consultation.  It provides a broad framework to underpin the wide range of public consultation carried out by the Council and sets out the ways in which consultation will be devloped to further support the Council's core values.

Contact Us

Policy Unit
South Derbyshire District Council
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire DE11 0AH

Tel: 01283 595726
Minicom: 01283 228149
E-mail: yourviews@south-derbys.gov.uk

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