Deliberative Polling > Case Study

For three years in a row we have run Cambridgeshire county Councils annual budget forum. Each year we bring together 50 local residents seeking their views on spending plans for the coming year.

Recruitment for the sessions is conducted by a mix of telephone and face to face approaches as in our experience this brings together the most diverse and representative group of participants.

The day includes pre and post session questionnaires. The Council details their spending plans and experts take part in a “Question Time” style panel answering questions put to them by all participants. FDS run break-out groups within which reactions to the proposed budget and spending priorities are explored.

The insight obtained from the consultation exercise helps shape the Councils final spending plans and their communication.