Engagement and Significance Policy Engagement and Significance Policy Purpose Term Definition The decisions Council make affect its communities on a daily basis. The purpose of assessed by the local authority, in terms of its likely impact this policy is to let the community know how and when they can expect to be engaged on, and likely consequences for: informed/consulted in Council’s decision-making processes. This policy will tell you: • the district or region; • When the community can expect to be engaged (consulted) with; any persons who are likely to be particularly affected • • What decisions Council and the community think are particularly significant by, or interested in, the issue, proposal, decision, or (important); matter; • How Council will assess the significance (importance) of the decisions. • the capacity of the local authority to perform its role, • How the community can expect to be engaged (consulted) with; and the financial and other costs of doing so. Definitions Strategic Asset The assets and groups of assets in terms of s.90(2) that For purposes of this policy, unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall Marlborough District Council considers to be strategic are: apply: • The local roading network as a whole. Term Definition • District storm water networks. • District water supply networks. Affected person Is a person directly affected by a decision of Council • District sewerage networks. Community A group of people— River control assets. living in the same place; or • • having a particular interest or characteristic in common; • Shares in MDC Holdings Ltd. • or • Commercial forestry known as Marlborough Regional owning property in the same place. Forestry. • It includes interested parties, affected people and key • Senior housing stakeholders. Decision Refers to all the decisions made by or on behalf of Council including those made by officers under delegation. Statements (Management decisions made by officers under delegation Community engagement helps to strengthen the legitimacy of decisions. It enables during the implementation of council decisions will not be communities to influence decisions and it increases the accountability of Council. It considered significant). ensures the community are aware and can respond to Council proposals based on a Engagement The process of involving the community in decision-making range of knowledge, views and values. (see engagement levels and methods matrix) When Council has a proposal, it needs to decide whether and how to engage (consult) Proposal Decision to be made by Council on a specific issue, asset or with the community, individuals or particular interest groups. Council has to apply the activity. principles of engagement set out in the Local Government Act 2002 when deciding Significance In relation to any issue, proposal, decision, or other matter what process to follow when consulting on a particular proposal. Council will use this that concerns or is before a local authority, means the degree policy when deciding how to consult or engage. of importance of the issue, proposal, decision, or matter, as 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 327