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You Choose
Method(s) Used
Name of person who posted the project:Deesha Chandra
Location of project:England
Date when the project started:2010
Date when the project ended/project ongoing:2010
Background to project:In March 2010 UK Councils were told they would be facing big spending cuts following an emergency government budget. Councils were expected to make cuts of up to 30% over the next five years.Purpose of project:The ‘You Choose’ Campaign was an initiative by Northamptonshire County Council (CC). They had estimated they would need to make cuts of almost £100 million by 2014.As part of the council’s evaluation of services in relation to these budget cuts, Northamptonshire CC wanted to consult people from across the county to find out what they wanted from the services the council provides. Project activities:Northamptonshire CC held a series of road-shows in the towns and boroughs across the county over five weeks.At the road shows video testimonies from the public were recorded, collecting opinions on services they value the most and where they feel money can be saved. For those unable to attend the road shows there was an opportunity to post their views on the ‘You Choose’ website. An event was also arranged for children and young people to have their say, with secondary schools and youth organisations from across the county. This included an interactive voting quiz, discussions with members of the Children & Young People’s Shadow Board and a ‘Question Time Panel’ made up of senior council officers and members of the Children & Young People’s Shadow Board. To highlight the campaign to existing organisations and communities, the council had produced a free downloadable toolkit so that organisations of all sizes could participate in the project by holding their own mini debate. Project results:From launch to date the ‘You Choose’ microsite has attracted more than 34,000 page views.Having issued more than 500 DIY consultation toolkits to different groups, Northamptonshire CC have since received a further 150 requests for them. You can see these here: http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/news/Latestnews/Pages/YouChooseResults.aspx This page will show how the results will be used to shape the Council’s decisions on services over the coming months and years. Contact details:Northamptonshire County CouncilJohn Dryden House 8-10 The Lakes Northampton NN4 7YD Telephone: 01604 236236 |
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