Issue

Community Engagement

17 stories · discussed at 15 council meetings · 17 councils

Councils are expanding community engagement in projects, improving participation in forums, and considering community input for local decisions.

The City of London's City Belonging Project is expanding, actively seeking business engagement to foster inclusivity, as updated in September 2026. Hackney Council is also set to appoint a dedicated Volunteering Officer to enhance community engagement and diversity within its parks and green spaces, a key commitment of its Parks and Green Spaces Strategy 2021-2031, discussed in September 2026.

Merton Council is exploring new strategies to increase public participation in its community forums, following concerns about low attendance in October and November 2025. Separately, Barnet Council decided in October 2025 to keep hostage posters displayed, requiring further community engagement before their removal. Southwark Council was scheduled to appoint a neighbourhood champion in November 2025 to strengthen local engagement.

Community engagement involves local communities and stakeholders in discussions and decision-making, as highlighted by Ealing's Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel in July 2026 when it discussed the Pride in Place programme's approach to engaging communities in high streets and town centres. Redbridge Council also launched its 'Modernising Redbridge' initiative in March 2026, aiming for more resident-centred services.

Key facts

  1. The City of London's City Belonging Project provided an update on its expansion and ongoing initiatives in September 2026. Source
  2. Hackney Council is set to appoint a dedicated Volunteering Officer to enhance community engagement in its parks, as discussed in September 2026. Source
  3. Merton Council discussed new strategies to increase public participation in its community forums in October and November 2025. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  4. Barnet Council decided in October 2025 to keep hostage posters displayed, requiring further community engagement before removal. Source
  5. Southwark Council was scheduled to appoint a neighbourhood champion in November 2025 to strengthen community engagement. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Brent Safeguarding Adults Board plans for future Brent Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) has unveiled its strategic plans for the next two years, with a strong emphasis on protecting adults with complex needs and intervening... Brent 2 July 2026
  2. Redbridge Council Launches 'Modernising Redbridge' Initiative for Resident-Centred Services Redbridge Council is embarking on a significant transformation to place residents at the heart of its services, aiming for a more efficient, accessible, and responsive local... Redbridge 19 March 2026
  3. Lewisham Council Approves New Policy for Blackheath Events Lewisham Council has approved a new policy to manage events on Blackheath, aiming to balance a diverse programme of activities with the protection of the heath's environment and... Lewisham 23 January 2026
  4. Morden Forum Seeks Ways to Boost Community Engagement Amid Low Attendance Morden Community Forum is exploring new strategies to increase public participation following concerns about poor attendance at recent meetings. At the Morden Community Forum... Merton 23 November 2025
  5. Southwark Council to Appoint Neighbourhood Champion for East Central Area Southwark Council is set to appoint a neighbourhood champion for the East Central neighbourhood area. The decision was scheduled to be considered at the Council Assembly meeting... Southwark 16 November 2025
  6. Haringey to Procure Catering Operator for Civic Centre Haringey Council is set to procure a catering operator for the Civic Centre, aiming to enhance facilities for both staff and the public. The council is recommending an early... Haringey 16 November 2025
  7. Wimbledon Forum to Discuss Updated Objectives, Streamlined Procedures, Community Engagement, and Environmental Strategy The Wimbledon Community Forum convened on Thursday, October 23, 2025, to address several key initiatives, including updating its objectives, streamlining procedures, enhancing... Merton 28 October 2025
  8. Barnet Council to Keep Hostage Posters Up, Requires Further Community Engagement Before Removal Barnet Council has voted to maintain its policy of not removing posters and ribbons related to hostages taken during the Yom Kippur terrorist attack until all those taken have... Barnet 25 October 2025