Local Democracy

Forward Plan

The Forward Plan sets out information about future Council decisions. It also gives the public the opportunity to have their say on these decisions before they are taken.

Forward Plans|

Publication and inspection of the Plan

The Plan is published monthly. It is available for inspection, free of charge, at the reception desk at the Civic Centre, Rainham Road North, Dagenham. It is also available on the Moderngov website.

Contents of the Plan

By law, councils have to publish a monthly Forward Plan. This has to contain available details of all 'Key Decisions' we are aware will be taken by councillors or staff during the forthcoming 4-month period. The term 'Key Decision' is explained below.

We are committed to open government. It is encouraging local people to have their say on the decisions that affect them, their families and the community as a whole.

It recognises that is therefore important to provide as much information about these decisions as possible. As a result, our Forward Plan lists all decisions, not just 'Key Decisions', and looks as far ahead as possible, not just at the coming few months.

Key Decisions

A 'Key Decision' is a decision that is likely to:

(a) involve significant spending or savings and/or

(b) have a significant effect on the community

In relation to (a), councils have to define which financial decisions are 'significant' and, therefore, 'Key'. Our definition is spending or savings of £200,000 or more that is not in our Budget (the setting of the Budget is itself a Key Decision).

In relation to (b), a decision is, by law, 'Key' if it is likely to have a significant impact on the community in 2 or more wards. However, in line with government guidance, we treat a decision as 'Key' if it is likely to have a significant impact on 1 or more ward.

Information included in the Plan

In relation to each decision, the Plan includes as much of the following information as is available when it is published:

The subject matter
The Member meeting/employee taking the decision
The estimated date when a decision will be taken
Any groups/persons to be consulted before the decision is taken
How any such consultation will be carried out
A list of relevant documents to be submitted to the decision-taker in connection with the decision

How you can have your say

If you would like to comment on any matter included in the Plan please let us know as soon as you can. We will then ensure your comments are considered by those taking the decision.

Contact

Alan Dawson

Democratic Services Team Manager

Civic Centre

Rainham Road North

Dagenham

RM10 7BN

Tel: 020 8227 2348

Fax: 020 8227 2171

Textphone: 020 8227 2685

Email: alan.dawson@lbbd.gov.uk|