How do you want to be involved in making decisions for your local area?
That’s the big question that Wigan Council is asking all residents of the borough.
The council is carrying out a borough-wide review of the way decisions are made and it wants to hear from as many people as possible. The process is called a Community Governance Review and it will look at how people can get more involved in the decision-making process.
Wigan Council Chief Executive Joyce Redfearn explains: “At present the council is the main decision-making body for the borough. However, we know that people in different parts of the borough have shown an interest in having their own town councils as well.
“We needed to look at this and have decided to use the opportunity to ask everyone what they would like to see in their areas.”
The council is seeking views from not just residents but also businesses, community and voluntary groups, schools and other public services.
Wigan Council provides more than 700 services to residents ranging from education and social care through to highways and waste and recycling. The council’s role in delivering these services would not change whatever the outcome of the review.
But it will look at how people feel they could best have their say and influence the services provided in their area.
A leaflet explaining the process and how residents and others can get involved in the review is currently being delivered to every household in the borough alongside the council’s residents’ magazine Borough Life. The leaflet includes a feedback form for people to fill in with their views and return to the council.
Ms Redfearn adds: “Wigan Council is there for all residents of the borough and we want everyone to know it is their council. We want to make the services we provide the very best that they can be and we can only do this by working together.”
- Residents who did not receive a copy of the Community Governance Leaflet can call Wigan Council’s Customer Services Team on 01942 827779.
