§ 27. Mr. CasaleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the role of civic forums in promoting participation in local decision-making processes. [128426]
§ Ms ArmstrongIn September and October 1998 my Department published a research report and guidance on how local authorities can develop and enhance public participation in local decision making ("Enhancing Public Participation in Local Government—A research report", DETR, September 1998; "Guidance on Enhancing Public Participation", DETR, October 1998). Local organisations such as residents groups and civic amenity societies must always be an important feature of local authorities' consultation and participation strategies.