Why we consult

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The new Duty to Involve came into force in April 2009.  This new duty seeks to ensure that people have greater opportunities to have their say and aspires to embed a culture of engagement and empowerment in our public 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 it.  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 our Priorities, Policies, Plans and Proposals. It is an essential aspect of democracy.

The Benefits of Consultation 

Consultation and Community Engagement Strategy (2010-15) 

This sets out our commitment to consultation and engagement.  It will help ensure that all levels of community engagement are carried out in the most appropriate way with different methods of engagement used relevent to the activity and circumstances.  The Strategy can be downloaded from the bottom of this page under the 'Related Documents' section.

Contact details

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

Tel: 01283 595726
Online: contact form 
email: yourviews@south-derbys.gov.uk

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