The Power of Well-Being
Statement of Intent
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES - To make measurable improvements to the quality of life of people who live in, work in, and visit Sudbury, through actions to improve long term economic, social and environmental well-being.
DEFINING THE COMMUNITY - Sudbury Town Council intend to consult and proactively engage with: other local authorities that have influence on Sudbury, neighbouring parish councils, the police, health authorities, schools, all age groups regardless of ability and ethnic origin in the community, organisations such as the Sudbury Society and any other group or organisation that has an interest in, or impact on, Sudbury.
PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO THE COMMUNITY - The council will make information including Agendas, Minutes and the Annual Report detailing current and future spending available to the public, through the following:
• Sudbury Town Council Website www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk
• The Community News
• The Town Notice Boards
• By request at the Town Hall
• Income and Expenditure leaflet included with each annual Council Tax bill
Also, at each monthly Council Meeting a period of fifteen minutes is set aside for electors of Sudbury to ask questions of the council or make comments to the council.
Members of the public are permitted to attend all the Council’s Committee meetings (unless identified as Private and Confidential) and may be permitted to speak if the Chairman of that Committee is contacted prior to the meeting.
The town council had adopted the requirements detailed in the Freedom of Information Act whereby the public can request sight of any council documentation (with the exception of Private and Confidential items). Most of these documents are readily accessible on the councils website, but can also be obtained (for an administration fee) from the town hall reception.
The town council administers the Sudbury Advice Centre within the town hall. The Advice Centre deals with any queries relating to any of the three tiers of local government. This includes help with housing and council tax benefits (assistance can be given with on-line applications), provision of Bus Passes (a free photograph can be taken) Rail Cards, Student loans and numerous other services. The opening hours of the advice centre are as detailed in this document.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORMAL REPRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL – the Council will accept representation from groups/organisations/individuals for items to be discussed at Committee or Council meetings. For inclusion at these meetings, written details MUST be received at the Town Hall at least SEVEN working days prior to the meeting date. Any item received later than seven days will not be discussed until the following month’s meeting.
As part of the Town Council’s ongoing Best Value initiative consultations on council services will be reviewed on a four yearly basis. The results of these consultations will be published as previously listed.
INVOLVEMENT IN PARTNERSHIPS – the council aims to have representatives on organisations in Sudbury, such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Quay Theatre, Gainsborough’s House and other partnerships/networks as is appropriate. The officers of the council regularly discuss matters which may affect Sudbury with other town councils who have experience of these issues.
The town council encourages and supports public meetings organised by the police, the health authority, the district and county councils and other organisations where they feel information should be made available to the residents of Sudbury.
The town council welcomes ideas from organisations or individuals in respect of Budgeting for particular projects/services in future years. The Budget process commences in October each year with a final decision being made at the following January council meeting.
ROLE OF COUNCILLORS AND OFFICERS – Councillors will aim to assist bringing about well-being outcomes in a number of different settings:
• Informal meetings with constituents
• Neighbourhood Forums
• Meetings with local business people and those working in the voluntary and community sector.
• Devolved decision making committees
Councillors will hold the council officers to account through scrutiny and take an overview of the council’s activities by:
• Requiring an audit trail of evidence about well-being outcomes in decision making.
• Exploring possible well-being outcomes and testing ways of achieving them as part of the policy development process.
• Testing the priorities agreed as part of sustainable community strategies, local area agreements and other key plans, and how they are being achieved.
• In discussions with officers, or meetings on new initiatives, raise the profile of the Well Being Power.
• By making sure officers understand how the Power supports the role of the local authority in working with others to achieve well-being.
• Officers will be asked to consider how particular initiatives could be supported by the use of the Well Being Power.
Sudbury Town Council aims to show that it and its officers have the confidence and ambition to move beyond traditional notions of its roles and responsibilities.
SPECIFIC AREAS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – The council will consult the community on future developments round and within the town centre. The council will ensure that Babergh District Council consults the public on the future of Belle Vue house and park. It will continue to consult regarding traffic management within the town with the ultimate aim of achieving the Western Bypass. Consultations will be held on the Chilton Woods development and any other matter which has an impact on Sudbury.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE – Complaint forms are available at the town hall reception. These can either be handed in at the town hall or sent by any of the methods detailed in this document. All complaints received will be acknowledged within three working days followed by a further letter advising of the outcome of the complaint.
CONTACT DETAILS – the Town Hall, which includes the Sudbury Advice Centre, is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. Full contact details of all councillors can be accessed on the town councils Website www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk., or by request at the town hall reception.
The town council can be contacted at advice@sudburytowncouncil.co.uk or telephone 01787 372331 or fax and after hours answer machine 01787 311642. Correspondence should be addressed to:
The Town Clerk
The Town Hall
Sudbury
CO10 1TL.
Signed by the Chairman/Mayor and Town Clerk at the town council meeting held on 12th May 2009.
…………………………………. ……………………………………..
Chairman/Mayor Town Clerk
To view a copy of the Power of Well-Being visit www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/localregional/localcommunity/wellbeingpower
Previous page: Website Disclaimers
Next page: The Freedom of Information Act