Giving you a greater voice

A stronger community is an engaged community, one in which local people get a say in what happens in their area or neighbourhood and how services are run. That depends, above all, on greater community involvement, if we are to ensure that public services meet residents' changing needs and aspirations.

I believe local people know best. You know what needs doing and you can help find the best way to do it. I want you to have a greater say in the shape and scope of local services and activities. In some areas of activity we should go further and directly involve you in the management of services, even transferring assets to community organisations in some cases.

Over the last four years I have made sure that I have visited every part of the borough and will continue to do so in the future. Working alongside local councillors, community organisations and public service workers, I will strengthen the links which already exist and, where necessary, create new ones.

Thousands of you are making a contribution to our community through the work you do as members of faith groups or through working in voluntary or community groups that help youngsters, older people or people with mental health problems. Others serve as school governors or magistrates or are involved in work with the police and health services.

The council and other service providers must communicate more effectively with you and give you the information you need to be involved. Crucially, they also need to tell you what has been done when you raise issues or we have consulted you. Here are some of my ideas about how we can do this.

Together we can make a difference