Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision at stake is the approval to consult on the draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy for consultation.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as there was support for the new approach and positive feedback on the report.
affected_stakeholders: ["Residents", "Stakeholders"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1623
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Baldock introduced the report that sought Cabinet’s approval to consult on the draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy. The Cabinet discussed the report, and the following points were made: Support was given for the new approach, noting that the administration had listened to feedback on previous consultations such as the draft local plan and car parking. The report was praised as thorough and excellent, particularly the shift from consultation being tagged on at the end, to early engagement and co-production with residents. The focus on engagement rather than just consultation was welcomed, as it was about developing ideas with people rather than consultation being a numbers game. A request was made for more information on monitoring progress and clearer KPIs when the strategy returned. Support was given for option one to take the consultation to the Overview Committee while still live, towards the end of the consultation period, to give more opportunity for their comments to form part of the final document. It was proposed, seconded and when put to a recorded vote RESOLVED: To approve the draft Consultation and Engagement Strategy (Appendix A) for consultation. Record of the voting: For (8): Councillors Baldock, Castle, Dawkins, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Hazelton, Ricketts and Sole Against: None Abstained: None Reason for the decision: This allows for further input from residents and stakeholders, in line with established best practice, which can inform the final version of the strategy and action plan.
Date of Decision: July 7, 2025