SANDWELL Council is setting out a new vision for communicating with residents across the borough.

A new protocol on engagement covering five principles will be considered by the authority’s cabinet on Wednesday (June 27).

The principles include serving residents of all of the borough’s towns, delivering the outcomes communities want, building public trust and confidence in the council, listening to, understanding, empowering and supporting people, and encouraging people to constructively challenge and question the council.

Cabinet member for culture and core council services, Councillor Steve Trow, said: “This is about how we foster a great relationship between the council and our communities.

“We’re passionate about increasing the level of engagement of residents in all the ways we can – through our day-to-day contact, face to face and online, through consultations and public meetings. This guidance sets out how we want to do that in the most positive way.

“Positive engagement with residents is ever more important not only in tackling their immediate needs but in helping to shape our long-term ambitions.

“As part of our Vision for 2030, we will be having a wide range of discussions with people about how they see themselves and the borough in the future.

“We want to listen to and understand the needs of our residents, for them to participate in the democratic process and get involved in these discussions with the council.”

Sandwell’s Vision for 2030 sets out 10 ambitions to be delivered by the council and its partners over the next 12 years, covering a wide range of topics, from living healthy lives and lowering crime to raising aspirations and improving the quality of schools.

Cllr Trow added: “We want to create a safe space for debate and have many more conversations where everyone feels that openness, honesty, and constructive challenge will be welcomed and respected by all.

“We have big plans to focus on over the next decade to continue making Sandwell a great place to live, work and visit and part of that is how we involve our residents in shaping that future.”