Engagement and Significance Policy Brief Description of the Special Consultative Procedure The special consultative procedure is an open invitation to the public to be involved in decision making. It is used when the issue to be decided on affects the whole of Marlborough or all ratepayers and residents in Marlborough are likely to be interested in the decision to be made. It is a formal process that is set out in the Local Government Act 2002. The main steps in the process are: (a) Council issues a statement of proposal which is open for the community to provide views. It remains open for at least a month. The community can make a submission on the proposal. (b) Council will hold a hearing if the community want to present their views in person. (c) Council makes a decision on the proposal taking into account the views expressed. (d) The process can take four to six months (or even longer) to complete. (e) Council will provide an opportunity for people to present their views in a manner that enables spoken (or NZ sign language) interaction between the person and Council, if requested. (f) Council may allow a person to present their views by audio or audio-visual link, if requested. (g) Council will ensure that the consultation documents are accessible to the public and that the fact the proposal is open for consultation widely known (for example, on Council’s website). 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 331