April 2009 Duty to Involve Briefing

The new duty came into force on 1st April 2009. It seeks to ensure people have greater opportunities to have their say.

The duty requires authorities to take those steps they consider appropriate to involve representatives of local persons in the exercise of any of their functions, where they consider that it is appropriate to do so.

Authorities should consider providing opportunities to:

•  Influence or directly participate in decision making
• Provide feedback on decisions, services, policies and outcomes
• Work with the authority in designing policies and services
• Carry out some aspects of services for themselves
• Work with the authority in assessing services

For more information please download the full briefing