Local Democracy Week begins today, and Herts County Council is urging people to get involved in the decisions it makes, and help shape the county for years to come.
County Hall delivers a wide range of services, including education, social services for adults and children, highways, libraries, waste disposal, fire service and public health.
Councillor Teresa Heritage, the cabinet member for localism, said: “We want everybody in Hertfordshire to take part in decision making because residents’ views should shape our priorities and the services we provide. We still face difficult decisions and now as much as ever, it is important to get involved and help secure the county’s future.”
This year the council is running events to engage people in decision making including The Citizens’ Panel Question Time event, taking place on Wednesday.
Members of the HCC Citizens’ Panel have been invited to come along to County Hall to put their questions about the council’s budget to deputy leader Councillor Chris Hayward, the cabinet member for resources and performance.
The chairman’s debate is also taking place on Wednesday, with more than 50 Year 12 students from schools across the county attending, chaired by Councillor Frances Button.
It will be a simulation of a real public debate which took place around school place planning, bringing the decision-making process to life for the students and highlighting the importance of engaging and participating in local democracy and decisions which affect people’s everyday lives.
A series of short videos are also being released throughout the week, with members of Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet, giving a summary of their work and inviting the public to get involved.
The majority of the council’s meetings are held in public, you can find out more information here www.hertsdirect.org/councilmeetings.
Councillor Heritage added: “As your local representative, your county councillor can help you influence decision making and fund projects you care about. Our councillors work closely with local communities to identify local issues, and we want people to feel comfortable contacting their councillor, so let us know what you think.”
Click here for a video featuring Councillor Chris HaywardClick here for a video featuring Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe, cabinet member for adult car and health
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