Residents, students and workers in North Somerset are being urged to get involved in local decision making with the launch of a new citizens’ panel.

North Somerset Council is recruiting a group of volunteers to give regular feedback on local services and issues to help shape the future of the area.

The panel will be consulted on a wide range of topics, from bins and roads to social care and planning, with feedback used to inform how services are run.

North Somerset Council Executive member Cllr Caritas Charles, whose portfolio includes community engagement and consultation, said: “We have a new corporate plan for North Somerset which includes the commitment to be fair and open.

“We are determined to be more transparent and involve our residents in decision making so that we can tackle issues together, and this panel is an essential part of making our ambition happen.

“By joining the panel members will get the chance to influence and inform how local services are delivered.

“No knowledge of the council is needed to sign-up, we are looking for members from across the community to get a true representative picture of what the people who live, work, and study here want and need from their council.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to make a significant impact on the future of their local area.”

The Citizens’ Panel will not replace formal consultations but will complement them and give another way for the people of North Somerset to have their voices heard.

Panel members will be asked to join in regular online surveys, with the first expected in the autumn. There will also be opportunities to get involved in specific focus groups.

Anyone aged 18 or over, living, working or studying in North Somerset can sign up by 05 October 2020 and get more information at :

https://n-somerset.inconsult.uk/consult.ti/citizenspanel/consultationHome