A new approach will be discussed later this week that aims to involve and empower the town’s individual communities in helping to lead the way in making Harlow a great place to live, work and visit.
The council’s new community engagement strategy will be considered by Cabinet this Thursday (24 March). Through the strategy there is commitment to renewing, strengthening, and joining up engagement across the council and its core functions. The ambition is to use the new framework to ensure everyone can feel and be involved, included and listened to.
This new way of working aims to provide all people, from all backgrounds, with a range of opportunities to participate by reducing barriers, creating connections and engaging in meaningful and supportive ways. There is also a commitment to make the council’s communications in print and digital format more accessible and inclusive.
The strategy sets out several initial opportunities that the wider community can get involved in and have their say. These opportunities include:
- Supporting the climate change agenda
- Improving community safety
- Building resilient and cohesive communities
- Regeneration and estate renewal
- Council tenant and leaseholder engagement
- Social and economic recovery from COVID-19
- How the council communicates
- Harlow and Gilston Garden Town
- Supporting the Levelling Up agenda
- Future economic growth plans
- Local Government boundary review
One of the other key drivers of this strategy is to embed an organisational culture where all councillors and council officers recognise and value the importance of inclusive engagement, and consultation with residents.
“I believe the engagement strategy is an ambitious way forward to improve the council’s services and modernise the way business is done in the civic centre – more consultation will improve the decision-making process, which means the town’s interests are better represented too.”
Councillor Joel Charles, Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“I understand that it is sometimes difficult to know the best way to get an answer from the council when something needs attention. That must change, so the council is going to take action and improve the way it interacts with residents by providing a more direct way for the community to engage with the council.
“There are a range of challenges to confront as a result of the pandemic and opportunities for the council to pursue in partnership with the local community. That is why this strategy is important – the council is determined to give residents a greater say and in turn enable them to be more involved in shaping the future direction of our town. This strategy will only work if the engagement is genuine, and residents have confidence that it leads to tangible results. The council intends to strengthen confidence by ensuring what individual residents, community groups and businesses feedback is understood and acted upon.
“I believe the engagement strategy is an ambitious way forward to improve the council’s services and modernise the way business is done in the civic centre – more consultation will improve the decision-making process, which means the town’s interests are better represented too.”
If agreed, the new strategy will go out to consultation before the final version is adopted.