First ever council assembly to hit the road in Southwark announced

The council's full assembly meeting is to take place at the Walworth Academy on 6 July, and will incorporate a themed debate on the subject of sports and young people. 

The decision to move the assembly is part of the work of the council's new democracy taskforce, the Democracy Commission, which was set up to make council meetings more open and effective, and to improve the democratic process of the authority. 

One of their recommendations made last year was to have themed assembly meetings so as to inform plans at an early stage and give residents a chance to have their say.  Other changes include exploring alternative venues, being more flexible in the timings and changing the rules around petitions. 

The public are now being urged to submit questions on this theme to the council and to get involved. See below for how to do this. 

Councillor Abdul Mohamed, Chair of the Democracy Commission, said:   "Taking our full council assembly on the road, and out into the community is exactly what we set up the Democracy Commission for - to engage with local people in a more accessible way, and to make the world of decision making at the council a more understandable process. I hope to see lots of people getting involved on the day and in the lead up."  

Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, and Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services at Southwark Council, added: 

"Sports can make a significant difference to the lives of young people, improving health and encouraging team work.  We want to continue to provide opportunities for young people in a context of greatly reduced funding from the Government.  That is why we are keen for more input and involvement from young people themselves and the local community."

Background information

Where is it and when?

Southwark Council Assembly on 6 July 2011 will be held at Walworth Academy, Shorncliffe Road, SE1 5UJ.

6pm: Informal session for residents to find out more about the theme

7pm: Main meeting starts 

What will happen on the night?

Informal session:

Before the assembly meeting starts there will be an informal session for residents to explore the theme, hear the views of young people and find out about the paperwork and meeting rules.  

Themed debate:

The public will be able to watch the debate on the night. Members of the public are invited to submit public questions on the theme in writing prior to the meeting. These need to be submitted three clear working days before the meeting.  Some members of the public who have submitted deputations will be invited to address councillors on the night.  

Further information:

Council Assembly is the council's main public meeting where all the 63 local elected councillors come together around seven times a year to debate local issues and make decisions. Presently members of the public can attend in the public seating area, submit questions, present petitions and make deputations.  

During the first phase of its work the Commission spent six months looking at what works well and what the council needs to keep while exploring better ways for the Council Assembly to communicate and new ways for the community to participate. It has made a series of recommendations which seek to make it easier for the public to get their views heard, raise concerns and hold councillors to account.  Whilst these changes are being implemented, the Commission has started the second phase of its work looking at Community Councils. 

Find out more information about the Democracy Commission.

You can submit your questions can by email, online or via Facebook