Giving communities a real say

"We are looking at options for devolving decision-making to the local level," says the Leader of the Council, Councillor David Ellesmere.

"This would involve ward councillors working with community groups, businesses and residents on a wide range of services, based geographically on the five existing forum areas.

"In order to deliver this, we have published for consultation a paper entitled 'Taking decision-making closer to the people'."

Among its key proposals are:

• Developing local Area Committees to devolve specific powers to ward councillors.
• Giving councillors more opportunities to be informed by residents and users on how services can be improved through Panels.
• Giving backbench councillors a role in developing policies and advising the Executive on its forward plans through active Working Groups.
• Making better use of new technology including websites, social networking and Twitter; to reach and engage new people and improve services.
• Reducing the number of other meetings that take place, as we seek to focus decision and policy making in these new and cost effective bodies.
Councillor Ellesmere added: "I believe these changes could make a real difference to how Ipswich is run. They would enable councillors of all political parties to take a more active part in the running of the council and better able to represent their constituents."

More information is available in the report Taking Decision Making Closer to the People.  Comments must be received by 11th November 2011 and should be submitted by email to areacommittees@ipswich.gov.uk  or by post to:

Councillor David Ellesmere
Ipswich Borough Council
Grafton House
15-17 Russell Road
Ipswich
IP1 2DE