More power to the people as council encourages questions for first themed assembly

As part of the first phase of a democracy commission - set up as part of the council's commitment to make it more open and transparent - the council assembly will spend more time discussing the local issues that matter to residents most. 

For this the council is inviting local people to submit ideas and questions on the following topics:

• How can we give local people more control over services?
• What role could the community play in helping to develop and deliver services?
• How should we measure success and communicate progress?

Cllr Abdul Mohamed, cabinet member for equalities and community engagement, said: "Due to the spending cuts and changing resident needs the council's role is changing, which is why local people need to have a greater say in, and control over, the future of the borough. This debate is an opportunity to be forward-looking and help shape the council's future plans.

"This is a really exciting opportunity for residents to have their say and directly influence their own future. Southwark has a proud history of community involvement, so harnessing the borough's social capital will be key to getting through the challenges that lie ahead and building a fairer future for all. I'd urge everyone to submit their question in time for this first themed debate."  

There was a huge amount of debate generated during the budget consultation, which demonstrated that there are opportunities for communities to rise to the challenge of looking at alternative ways of delivering services more effectively locally. 

This included library and play provision, youth activities, initiatives to tackle and prevent antisocial behaviour and cross agency activities such as work with the NHS in improving health.  

Submit your question

Residents can submit a question at the April meeting. The deadline to register this is midnight Thursday 31 March 2011. Residents should visit the democracy pages of the website or email democracy@southwark.gov.uk to find out more.   

The first themed debate will take place as part of the next council assembly meeting on Wednesday 6 April 2011 at 7pm in Southwark Town Hall . The first theme is "the future for Southwark - rising to the community challenge."

Residents are welcome to come to the town hall from 6pm to find out more about the theme and how Council Assembly meetings are run.