Communities Minister praises Leader Listens programme

Published by Hannah Wooderson for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Central Government

The pioneering and innovative approaches taken by Barnet Council to involve local residents in shaping policy across the borough has been praised by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears. Singled out as an example for other authorities to follow, the use of social media sites such as Youtube and Facebook, along with informal neighbourhood meetings known as Leader Listens are cited as improving dialogue with local people to give them a direct input into improving local services.

The Leader Listens programme, now in its third year, is a series of events where every resident on the electoral roll of a polling district is personally invited to attend a meeting where questions and concerns about council services can be put directly to the Leader of the council. Where answers cannot be given, or action on the part of the council is required, this is undertaken after the event by council officers and minutes of the meeting along with a summary of actions taken are then sent to each resident of the polling district to keep them informed.

Meetings are filmed and are posted along with the minutes of the meeting on the Leader Listens website at www.leaderlistens.com. In addition, the videos can be accessed by visiting the council's own Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/Barnetcouncil1 allowing residents unable to attend the meeting to view the issues and concerns raised by neighbours.

Councillor Mike Freer, Leader of Barnet Council welcomed the support of the Communities Secretary and went on to say: "The Leader Listens programme when launched had a number of doubters but the benefits have been invaluable in assisting the council to form policy."

"By reaching out and holding events outside the normal council meeting rooms we have been able to identify issues and concerns that would not normally be raised, allowing us to tackle them head on making small yet significant improvements to the day to day lives of residents in Barnet."

"Our unique approach is now being copied across the country by other councils and public services showing that Barnet has been the trailblazer in bringing true public engagement to those the council serves."