Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council have commissioned consultants to look at the Quality of Service around a number of services. Planning is one the services. Within the Council's objectives is to deliver a "fit for purpose organisation" which is influenced by the customers, and the quality of service received by those customers. As part of the project we are looking at setting up 5 focus groups i.e. Women; Older People; Young People; Asian Community; and Agent. In order to facilitate these focus groups a faciliator is required. The groups will be focussing on planning applications and those who have submitted application or who have been consulted on them and commented. I am enquiring to know whether other authorities have done similar projects and how they went about facilitating these focus groups? We need someone who is impartial to the Local Authority and the customer. Any assistance would be appreciated. Gavin Prescott Development Manager Development Management Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council
