Democracy in Southwark

Your council, your call

The democractic landscape in Southwark is changing, thanks to the work of the Democracy Commission and your input. The commission was set up in July 2010 to improve both the level and the quality of 'people power' in the borough by making council meetings more open and effective. Its aim is to bring the council closer to its residents, making it more accountable to them and more connected with their concerns.

That's why council assembly no longer happens at the Town Hall but is held at a variety of community locations. The next council assembly is on Wednesday 23 May 2012 and will incorporate 'annual council' and 'mayor-making'. The venue will be confirmed soon. 

As a local authority, we're committed to creating 'a fairer future for all'. You can help to make this vision a reality by continuing to play your part in decision-making at council meetings.

Changes to council assembly and community council meetings

Phase one of the Democracy Commission, from summer 2010 to spring 2011, looked at ways in which council assembly could be improved, based on your feedback and suggestions. We're now working on implementing its recommendations.

As a result, changes to council assembly are:

• Enabling residents to inform council plans at an early stage
• Giving residents a chance to have their say
• Providing alternative venues for assemblies
• Being more flexible in their timing
• Changing the rules around petitions 

The second phase of the Democracy Commission focused on the role and function of community councils - identifying how they can be improved as well as ways to make savings. Its findings were ratified at council assembly on February 29 and we're now working on implementing those. Among other changes, the number of community councils is being reduced from eight to five.