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From 1 April 2009 we now have a statutory duty to inform, consult and/or involve local people in local decisions, policies and the design and delivery of our services.
This is known as the "duty to involve" - part of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the government's broader community empowerment and place shaping agenda.
The duty to involve requires local authorities to be:
Informing about the exercise or particular service or function - e.g. providing information about services, policies and decisions including providing information that allows people to have their say and get involved.
Consulting about the exercise of the particular service or function - e.g. provide people with opportunities to have their say about decisions through consultation and to provide opportunities for people to be involved.
and/ or
Involving in another way about the exercise of the service or function - e.g. provide opportunities for people to have their say and get involved beyond being informed and consulted and give greater influence over decisions on delivery including providing opportunities for people to influence or participate in decision making and allowing people to work with the authority in accessing services.
Local people refers to those likely to be affected by, or interested in, a particular function of the Council. It is not limited to local residents, but covers people who work or study in South Derbyshire; visitors; service users; local third sector groups; businesses; parish councils; anyone else likely to be affected. It applies to children and young people as well as adults.
For further information visit: www.idea.gov.uk
page ref: SDDC 419
