A main part of our decentralisation strategy is the community taking part in local decision making. We want people to be able to voice their opinion and tell us how we affect the areas in which they live.
The role of the Area Forum is to:
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bring our services closer to you and make sure we take more responsibility locally
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give community groups and individuals a chance to raise local issues
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discuss how we provide and deliver services
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work with you and your community to find local solutions to local problems
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allow us to discuss with, and consult, you and your community on our plans, policies and prioritises.
The main purpose of the Area Forum is to deal with issues that affect local people. However because they are not formal council meetings they can not change or form policies. They can however, make sure that our policies are put into practice locally to best effect.
Area Forum meetings are open to anyone living in the area to go to and take part in debates under the direction of the Area Forum Convener. We believe that everyone in the community should have the right to give their views and ideas at their local area Forum meeting. You can do this as individuals, or through a local community group or community council. You may also want to go to the Area Forum simply to listen to the discussion and hear what is going on.
More information on the Area Forums, including dates of future meetings, can be found| here|.
For further information please contact Area Forum Co-ordinator using the details given in the Contact Us panel.