Influence council decisions

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Influence council decisions - make your voice heard

You can influence what we do by telling us what you think about the things that affect you and your neighbourhood.

How to have your say...

• Find out where and when decisions are being taken
• Access agendas and reports before a meeting
• Attend public meetings
• Ask questions at public meetings
• Bring a deputation to a public meeting
• Bring a petition to a public meeting
• E-Petitions 

How else can you get involved?

Speak to your local councillor
You can ring or email your councillor and many councillors hold ward surgeries, which are drop-in sessions which you can attend without an appointment. 

Make sure you vote
Whatever your political views, it’s important that you register to vote and then exercise your right to vote at all elections.  The council’s electoral services pages of this website tell you how. 

Become a councillor
To read about what our city councillors do, visit our councillors’ web pages and read councillor's blogs.  If you’re interested in standing as a candidate yourself, the Improvement & Development Agency’s guide explains more.  For more detailed information, please contact electoral services.

Join the Youth Council/Older Peoples Council
Young people aged 11-19 who live, study or work in Brighton & Hove can stand as candidates for the Youth Council.  Find out more about what the Youth Council does and how you can play a part.

The Older People’s Council exists to make sure that older people in the city are treated with respect and receive the services and support they need.  To find out more:

• visit the Older People's Council website
• email olderpeoplescouncil@brighton-hove.gov.uk/ 
• telephone (01273) 296427

Get involved in Overview & Scrutiny

Overview & Scrutiny is a key part of the Council's decision making process. The Commission and five Committees aim to add value to the Council services that you use by monitoring performance, developing and reviewing policy and holding the Executive to account.

Take part in council consultations

Consultation is carried out for a number of reasons:

• to find out what you think
• to identify your priorities and concerns
• to meet our statutory obligations

Join the citizens’ panel

Citizens' Panels are recognised as an effective way to consult with the public on a range of local issues.

Xchange is Brighton & Hove's Citizen's Panel. It is run by the council, Brighton & Hove Primary Care Trust (the local health service), Sussex Police and the Sussex Police Authority.