News-Let's Talk County Durham

We have today launched 'Let's Talk County Durham', a new consultation and engagement platform that offers residents more ways to participate in decision making that affects their area.

People visiting the platform will have the option to create an account that will make it easier for them to get involved, keep a record of their feedback and follow the progress of projects that interest them.

Putting residents at the heart of decision making

The new platform will also make it easier for us by offering more flexible ways of presenting information and proposals, better reporting tools and opportunities to collect ideas from members of the public. It will also offer more ways to engage with residents including quick polls, surveys, online discussions and votes.  

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, our Leader, said: "We want to give everyone who lives, works in, or visits County Durham the chance to improve our services and influence the decisions we make. One way we can do this is by giving individuals, businesses and organisations the chance to have their say about topics they have an interest in. 

"The new platform, 'Let's Talk County Durham', will place residents at the heart of our decision making by helping them to shape the decisions that we make. This will help us to ensure our services meet the needs of all our communities. We'd therefore encourage as many people as possible to visit the platform and have their say."

The result of partnership work

We've worked alongside our partners at County Durham Together to create the platform and best engage with communities.

Michael Laing, chair of the partnership and our interim director of adult and health services, said: "'Let's Talk County Durham will empower individuals to actively influence decisions and voice their opinions from the outset. This initiative will enable communities to shape the support and resources available to them.

"At the core of the County Durham Together ethos is a commitment to collaborate with communities, particularly those where the need is highest. By placing communities at the heart of decision making, we aim to harness their skills, knowledge and experiences."

We will continue to provide printed materials, such as surveys, at our libraries and customer access points, as well as carrying out face-to-face work in communities. The platform will support this work to ensure that everyone can join in.