Agenda item

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer (C&CEO).

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members considered the suggestion of developing a Town Council podcast as an additional communications channel. Whilst recognising the potential opportunities to promote Council activity and community initiatives, Members felt that podcasting generally achieved limited engagement for local authorities and that current officer resources would be better focused on existing communication methods. It was also observed that successful podcasts were often driven by individuals rather than institutions. Consequently, Members did not support progressing a podcast at this stage.

The Committee welcomed the revised format of the annual budget survey and agreed that a shorter and more accessible approach would encourage greater public participation. Members felt that asking residents to identify their key priorities would provide clearer feedback than requiring the ranking of multiple individual services.

Members also considered the proposed Town Guide and remained supportive of developing the publication as an additional communication tool. It was noted that one of the Committee's Terms of Reference was "to oversee community engagement with all residents of Witney, relevant stakeholders and businesses" and Members considered that the Town Guide would help fulfil that objective. Members welcomed the fact that the publication would be produced biennially, would not place a significant burden upon officer resources and would provide an additional opportunity to promote Council services, local businesses, visitor information and community organisations.

With regard to website accessibility, Members welcomed the considerable work already undertaken by officers to improve compliance and accessibility. They were satisfied that the current approach provided an appropriate level of assurance and agreed that it would not be necessary to subscribe to the proposed external monitoring service at the present time. Members expressed their appreciation to officers for the progress already achieved in improving accessibility across the Council's website.

The Committee discussed future arrangements for distribution of the Spring Newsletter and acknowledged that no delivery method had proven entirely reliable. Members discounted the use of Royal Mail, citing previous experience which suggested it had not been effective in reaching residents. Whilst recognising that hand-delivery was not without its limitations, Members considered it to be the most effective option currently available and were keen to continue supporting a local delivery company.

Members also considered options for the provision of lockable noticeboards at play areas and recreational facilities. The Committee welcomed the proposal and unanimously supported the fourth example presented within the report. It was noted that three boards would be required and that £1,500 should be included within future budget discussions to allow for their purchase.

Recommended:

1. That, the report be noted.
2. That, the revised budget survey be adopted;
3. That, development of the Town Guide continue;
4. That, hand delivery remains the preferred method for future newsletter distribution and;
5. That, provision of £1,500 be considered within the 2027/28 budget process for the installation of three lockable noticeboards.