Resident Forums to the fore!
Issued by City of York Council
Local democracy has taken on a fresher, more flexible format as new Resident Forums take over from Ward Committees. Resident Forums have enjoyed early success in wards in York with a total of over 300 residents coming along to forums in both Rural West and Westfield, where the Local Plan was discussed and residents had the opportunity to comment.
One of the reasons for the change is that the new, informal format allows local people to focus on one or two key issues rather than work to a fixed agenda if they wish to do so. In addition, the forums can be convened when it benefits local people and when matters of local interest arise, and may take place in venues that suit local need. City of York Council has now established a Resident Forum in every ward in York, each led by elected members (councillors), and supported by groups and other partners who are active in the area. They will each hold one formal and three informal meetings a year and local residents are very welcome at all.
Councillor Linsay Cunningham-Cross, Cabinet Member for Crime and Stronger Communities said: ‘It is great news that the new Resident Forums are proving so successful. City of York Council wants to support all residents to be actively engaged in the life of their city, regardless of their views or politics. I am delighted that Resident Forums are encouraging healthy debate amongst residents. They provide another good way for the Council to listen to the views of its residents.
“It is important that the Council and its services work for the benefit of every local neighbourhood and I welcome this new flexible and accessible process that works around the need and interests of local communities.”
Residents Forums coming soon include:
- Westfield ward drop-in on Thursday 11July, 4pm to 7pm, at the Gateway Centre, Front Street, Acomb focusing on the Local Plan
- Fishergate Ward will meet on Wednesday 24 July at 5:30pm in a gazebo next to the Fishergate end of the Millenium Bridge, where there will be an environmental theme
- Guildhall Ward, will meet on Wednesday 21 August at West Offices at 7pm where the focus will be on the Lendal Bridge and redevelopment work in Museum Gardens
- Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without where ward councillors will be engaging informally with different groups of residents by attending a variety of summer events in the ward, including Skelton Primary School summer fair on Saturday 20 July.
For further information about wards, ward priorities and Resident Forums visit the wards page on the council website, email Shaping Neighbourhoods or call City of York Council’s communities and equalities team on 01904 551832.
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