“From Voice to Victory: The Power of Consultation Forms in Supercharging Petition Efforts”

https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/future-services-consultation

In November 2023 Hampshire County Council agreed new financial strategy and budget measures, following public consultation on a range of options. These require savings of at least £132 million by April 2025 to help meet the expected budget shortfall.

The service change proposals outlined within this consultation would contribute around £17.5 million in total towards these savings, while ensuring that we continue to meet the statutory duties which we are required by law to carry out.

As Hayling Island Conservative Councillors, we do not wish to see the closure of Hayling Recycling Centre. However, engaging in a Hampshire County Council’s consultation and filling out the consultation form before starting a petition is crucial for several reasons: –

1. Informed Decision-Making:

1. The consultation form will include detailed information regarding the proposed cutbacks, their impact, and the reasoning behind them.
2. Filling out the form allows residents to make informed decisions about whether they support or oppose the proposed cutbacks based on comprehensive information.
3. Understanding the Issues:
   • This consultation process provides all residents an opportunity to understand the challenges and constraints faced by local government.
   • In completing the consultation form, individuals gain insights into the factors influencing the proposed cutbacks, creating a greater understanding
4. Structured Feedback:
   • Consultation forms are designed to gather specific feedback on various aspects of the proposed changes.
   • The form provides a structured way for residents to express their concerns, suggestions, and alternative solutions, ensuring that their input is relevant to the decision-making process.
5. Community Unity:
   • Encouragingthe community to participate in the consultation process fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
   • When residents collectively engage in providing feedback, it strengthens the community’s voice and increases the chances of influencing decisions in their favour.
6. Building a Case:
   • A filled-out consultation form serves as evidence of public sentiment, it is tangible data on the level of opposition or support for proposed cutbacks.
   • This data can be valuable when building a case against the cutbacks or advocating for alternative solutions during public hearings or meetings.
7. Increased Credibility:
   • Decision-makers may be more likely to consider and act on a petition if it is accompanied by a record of active participation in the official consultation process.
   • Filling out the consultation form enhances the credibility of the petitioner and their cause.
8. Legal and Official Recognition:
   • Petitions are more likely to be taken seriously by local authorities if they are accompanied by a well-documented consultation response.
   • A completed consultation form demonstrates that the petitioner has actively engaged in the official process, which can add weight to their concerns when presenting them to decision-makers.

In summary, completing the local government consultation form before starting/signing a petition is a strategic and essential step in advocating for community interests. It ensures that residents are well-informed, engaged in the official process, and equipped with relevant information when making their case against proposed cutbacks.