Why the Authority consults
Consultation gives residents, organisations and partners an opportunity to provide evidence and views before the Authority reaches a decision on a proposal that is open to public input.
What an open consultation tells you
Each consultation explains the proposal, the questions being asked, what is open to influence, who will take the final decision, the closing date and how to respond.
Supporting documents are published where they are needed to understand the proposal. Consultation material distinguishes between options that are genuinely under consideration and matters already fixed by law or an earlier decision.
How to respond
Responses are submitted through the route shown on the consultation page so they are recorded against the correct proposal. Respondents can provide views, supporting evidence and information about likely effects for the decision-maker to consider before the decision is finalised.
What happens after a consultation closes
The responsible team reviews the responses and brings the relevant evidence into the decision process. For significant consultations, the Authority publishes an outcome or decision record explaining the conclusion reached and how the consultation informed it.
Consultation is one part of decision-making. It is not a referendum unless the law specifically gives it that status.
Accessible participation
Consultation material is designed to be understandable and accessible. Where an online route creates an access barrier, the Authority considers an appropriate alternative so that a person is not prevented from participating solely because they cannot use the digital form.
Current consultations
Open and completed consultations appear below when they are formally published.