16/3/2006 - Doorstep democracy means it's good to talk

A new online service which helps the public to have their say about council issues affecting them in Cumbria has been launched.

The Consultation Finder allows the public to find out - and speak out - about issues put out for public consultation in their area. The website allows users to search by their own postcode, delivering instant democracy to their doorstep.

Cumbria County Council has teamed up with Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council to provide this new online service. Cumbria County Council's Consultation Finder portal is at www.cumbria.gov.uk/consultation.

It provides details of consultations that are planned or happening in a specific area, and also allows users to search according to subjects they're interested in. It also lets people search for the findings from past consultations and find out what the council has done as a result. Where appropriate, users will also be able respond to the consultation online. 

Users registering with Consultation Finder will be automatically kept informed when new consultations in their areas of interest are added to the system. 

"Councils in Cumbria regularly consult with the public about a whole range of issues; you are our customers so what you think is important to us. But it’s not always easy for you to find out which council’s asking what, where and when. That’s where Consultation Finder comes in - it means you won’t miss your chance to have your say, " said Councillor Liz Mallinson, Cabinet member responsible for e-working.