Council is required to consult with the community, enabling two way communication when significant expenditure and/or decisions are made that affect the community.

Council appreciates feedback and suggestions from members of the community as this ensures that they are able to make informed decisions.

Items consulted on include the Annual Plan, Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), Annual Report, Bylaws, District Plan and any other decision that could significantly affect individuals or the community as a whole.

Decision making is covered in Sections 76 to 81 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Consultation is covered in Sections 82 to 90 of the Local Government Act 2002.

The Council publishes an Annual Plan each year, which sets out what the Council plans to spend money on, and how it proposes to fund these projects. The Annual Plan is the Council's contract with ratepayers to provide services for Central Hawke's Bay residents in the coming year. The Annual Plan process provides residents with an opportunity to have a say in where the money should come from and how the money should be spent.

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