Participation requests

As required by Section 32 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, South Lanarkshire Council is providing the following information in respect of Participation Requests received by the council in the reporting year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.  In that year: -

Number of participation requests received by the council

One - Participation Request was received in this year.

Number of such requests which the council:

1. Agreed to – none
2. Refused – one

Number of such requests which resulted in changes to a public service provided by or on behalf of the authority

The one request which was received was made by an organisation who were already participating in a partnership with the council in order to engage in community planning so although there was no direct result from the participation request itself the organisation were involved in relevant consultations. 

The following actions were taken by the council to:

1. Promote the use of Participation Requests.

The council’s website contains a section relation to Participation Requests and how to make such requests to the council  This also contains a link to:

• the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
• the Scottish Government Guidance
• Scottish Community Development Centre Guidance
• Participation Request Application Form with associated guidance.  An email address and phone number are provided so that people considering making a Participation Request can contact the council for guidance; and

In addition, the council has established a Community Participation and Empowerment Team, with a remit which includes acting as initial interface for communities wishing information and signposting routes to engagement with the council, including exercising their rights under the Community Empowerment Act.

2. Supporting a community to participation body in the making of a Participation Request.

The organisation who made the request received support from the council's Community Engagement Team and were part of a partnership set up to ensure that communities are represented and involved in community planning as well as acting as consultative groups for service redesign and new service delivery proposals. 

If you have any questions regarding this report or wish any information regarding Participation Requests please email us at participation.request@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or phone us on 0303 123 1015 and ask to speak to the Participation Request Officer.

June 2023