Issue - meetings

That the Communications Strategy 2012-15 be approved.

A report was submitted seeking Cabinet approval for the Communications Strategy which covered the period 1^st April 2012 to 31^st March 2015. The document outlined how the Council would use good communications to build a stronger reputation, involve and inform residents, engage effectively with stakeholders and improve customer satisfaction.

A series of best practice visits had been undertaken to see how beacon councils carried out customer engagement and consultation.  This had taken place at the same time as the Government ended the Place Survey and urged councils to look again at how they engaged with residents.

The borough council was now in the infancy of a new way of working modelled on beacon councils which involved more qualitative, face-to-face engagement and a focus on key front line services. The proposed changes were intended to help save approximately £15,000 for the 2012/13 financial year.

Resolved:     That the Communications Strategy 2012-15 be approved.