Forum topic: Enfield abolishes area forums

Enfield Council has scrapped the system of publicly accessible area forums that was in operation prior to the recent council elections.

Area forums were centrally organised and advertised and brought together councillors and residents from groups of three neighbouring wards.

Instead of area forums there will be Ward Forums, organised by the councillors for each ward.  In a letter announcing the change, the Head of Corporate Scrutiny and Community Outreach claims that as a result the "opportunity for Councillor engagement with residents will be strengthened at ward level".

No information is available about how the ward forums will be run and how much flexibility councillors will have.  For instance, about the frequency of meetings and whether or not agendas, minutes and other paperwork will be provided.