Citizens will be encouraged to participate in the planning of the services and the public environment of their own neighbourhood with the help of local Service Forums.
The Forums are intended to be a way of taking public decision making and its preparatory work closer to the citizen. Service users will be able to participate in the preparation process of issues such as the planning and development of neighbourhood sports services, youth services, library services and environment. The Forums will also be a channel of information back to the policymakers.
The Forums will lower the threshold between citizens and policymakers, promote dialogue and help focus decision-making on local issues, thus facilitating the efficient co-ordination and control of production resources and services adjusted to local needs. Furthermore, the Forums will make it possible to create regional networks and generate innovation, even together with the third sector.
