Research

The democracy commission gathered evidence from a wide range of sources over the summer of 2010. This involved residents, community leaders, academics, and council officers. 

The commission conducted questionnaires, held public meetings and focus groups, and held a conference to gather people's views.

Alongside this the commission looked at reports produced by other councils on improving council assembly and took evidence from experts and the community.

In addition to the tried and tested ways of gathering people's views, the council's community engagement team recorded oral testimonies with residents at locations across the borough including libraries, cafes, parks, shopping centres, and street corners. These vox pops were later documented and formed an important part of the democracy commission's book of evidence.