Community input sought on service review policy

THE Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on a new policy which will inform and guide future reviews of its services.

The Draft Service Review Policy will recognise the more than 100 services provided by council which are designed to meet a wide and evolving range of community needs and priorities.

It will feature nine key principles that will be considered when carrying out service reviews in the future.

These include, strategic alignment, current and future needs, equity and access, financial sustainability, alternative providers, evidence-based decision making, community engagement, transparency and compliance.

Cr Tony Phelps said periodically reviewing services would help council deliver services that best meet the needs of the community.

“The need for services can be affected over time by things like increasing or decreasing demand, advancements in technology, or other providers coming into the market.

“Introducing this policy will give us a solid base to review our services regularly, and help us decide if we’re offering the right services at the right levels, and whether our cost recovery method is the most appropriate.

The draft policy will be open for feedback until November 28 via yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/service-review-policy

All feedback will be considered before a final policy is presented to council for endorsement later this year.