COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The importance of connecting with communities

Heather Jameson says: 'As we shift to local government reorganisation, fears of distant democracy need to be addressed. Connecting with communities will become increasingly important – the real role of the most effective councillors.'

The importance of connecting with communities

Government plans to introduce a duty to involve community groups in local government decision-making are both welcome and a bit of a no-brainer. What is local government about if it is not community?

Gone are the days when councillors would brandish their election results as a badge of honour to suggest no one could question their decisions for the next four years – in most places at least. Some of the best authorities in the country have a deep-rooted connection with their communities.

Heather Jameson

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