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Enfield Council has scrapped the system of publicly accessible area forums that was in operation prior to the recent council elections.

Area forums were centrally organised and advertised and brought together councillors and residents from groups of three neighbouring wards.

Instead of area forums there will be Ward Forums, organised by the councillors for each ward.  In a letter announcing the change, the Head of Corporate Scrutiny and Community Outreach claims that as a result the "opportunity for Councillor engagement with residents will be strengthened at ward level".

No information is available about how the ward forums will be run and how much flexibility councillors will have.  For instance, about the frequency of meetings and whether or not agendas, minutes and other paperwork will be provided.

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Colin Younger posted a reply
30 Jun 2014 17:44
I'm not at all convinced that this is a good idea in terms of local democracy. The Area Forums had their faults but they gave a clear structure for discussion and covered a a wide enough area to generate interest and discussion. Will ward-based meetings work? Well, in theory each area forum was supposed to offer "break-out sessions" for ward specific discussion - no one that I can recall ever wanted them, and they didn't happen!

Is the problem that Area Forums raised issues and argument that the Council found uncomfortable? Is it too late for the new Council to think again?
Colin Berry posted a reply
05 Jul 2014 09:58
I think the reality is, the least amount of work for their money, as far as communicating with the public I think that is a nonstarter
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