Plugging the 'engagement gap'
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The document summarizes the results of a survey on public engagement with local plan consultations in the UK. The survey found that only 26% of respondents had ever responded to a local plan consultation, with just 11% of those aged 18-34 having done so. When asked what would make them more likely to participate, over 40% of respondents selected better promotion of consultations and clearer, simpler proposals. Other top factors included knowing one's feedback would make a difference and easier methods to provide feedback. The document concludes that bridging the engagement gap requires better promotion of consultations, clear proposals, and improved feedback routes.
Plugging the 'engagement gap'
- 1. Plugging the ‘engagement gap’ 10 September 2020
- 2. Planning white paper media: in the headlines
- 3. Social media: some reaction, but not widespread 1,470 posts 4,100 engagements 9.28m impressions
- 4. Social media reaction led by government, planners and activists Influencers by volume of posts (6 August – 8 September)
- 5. Social media reaction led by government, planners and activists Influencers by impressions (6 August – 8 September)
- 6. But what do the public think about planning? ✓ We partnered with YouGov to survey people’s views on Local Plan-making and what influences their engagement in the process. ✓ Total sample size was 2,296 adults. ✓ Fieldwork was undertaken between 12 and 13 August 2020. ✓ The survey was carried out online. ✓ The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). ✓ Two questions.
- 7. #1 Have you ever responded to a local plan consultation? All ages 26% 69% 5% Yes No Not sure
- 8. #2 Which, if any, of the following would make you more likely to participate in local plan consultations? All ages 41% 51% 40% 37% 40% 2% 8% 19% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Local plan consultations being better promoted (i.e. more widely advertised) Knowing that my feedback will make a difference Getting more information about how a proposed new development might affect me personally (e.g. in my daily life) That the proposal is clear, simple and can be understood easily and quickly That there is a quick, easy method to provide feedback Other Don't know Not applicable - nothing in particular would make me more likely to participate in local plan consultations
- 9. #1 Have you ever responded to a local plan consultation? Age 18-34 11% 80% 9% Yes No Not sure
- 10. #2 Which, if any, of the following would make you more likely to participate in local plan consultations? Ages 18 - 34 41% 46% 35% 32% 36% 2% 12% 22% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Local plan consultations being better promoted (i.e. more widely advertised) Knowing that my feedback will make a difference Getting more information about how a proposed new development might affect me personally (e.g. in my daily life) That the proposal is clear, simple and can be understood easily and quickly That there is a quick, easy method to provide feedback Other Don't know Not applicable - nothing in particular would make me more likely to participate in local plan consultations
- 11. Bridging the engagement gap Three key factors which positively influence engagement. All have a comms dimension. All are highlighted in the survey.
- 12. 1. ‘Better promotion’ This means it’s: ✓ Well targeted ✓ Timely ✓ Relevant ✓ Insight driven How do people want to receive information?
- 13. 2. Clear, simple narrative This means it’s: ✓ Clear ✓ Jargon free ✓ Grounded in reality Above all, it must explain why it’s important for people to ‘have their say.’
- 14. 3. Better feedback routes This means it’s: ✓ Easy to find ✓ Easy to use ✓ Clear ✓ Two-way “How will I know if this feedback will be used?”
- 15. Fiona Howie TCPA “We know there is an urgent need to rebuild trust in the planning system. Supporting everyone within communities to participate in plan-making will be an important part of working to achieve that. “As this research highlights, people must know that their involvement will be meaningful and listened to. “But there also needs to be culture change at national and local levels – so that involving communities in planning is seen as a good thing that will result in higher quality plans and better outcomes from the system.”
- 16. Thank you Any questions? E: [email protected] T: @blowndes W: social.co.uk