Deadline to register for the Preston People's Jury only days away

More than 6,000 randomly selected households across the borough have received letters inviting them to be part of the Preston People's Climate jury and time is running out to register. The deadline to return applications is next Monday 15 January.

The Climate Jury is being hosted by Preston City Council, working with specialist facilitators Shared Future, with funding from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF). Jury members will be asked to answer the question, which has been chosen by an independent panel:

"How can we in Preston work together to address the opportunities and challenges of climate change in a way that is fair to everyone?"

The Jury will work over eight weeks to develop recommendations which will help shape future actions right across the borough.

Councillor Carol Henshaw, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:

"In 2019, we took the bold decision at the Council to declare a climate change emergency and set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. We are committed to driving the climate change agenda forward, but are equally determined that this is done in collaboration with local people, so we can be assured that the approach we take meets the needs and priorities of people in Preston.

 

"The People's Jury is a chance for us to bring together 30 residents, who fully represent our borough, to listen to their views so they can help us progress the climate change agenda locally.

 

"This approach has already proven successful elsewhere and we're encouraging people to come forward to register to be part of it here in Preston.

"No previous experience or knowledge is needed and we're looking for people with a whole different range of views and experiences - from those who are passionately concerned about climate change to those who are less concerned or feel they know little on the subject.

"The People's Jury will be a really interesting experience for those who are chosen to be involved and I can't wait to see it start and the recommendations that come from it."

The 6,000 households who have received the invitation to register for the People's Jury have been chosen completely at random.  Of those who respond, 30 who represent the diversity of the borough, including age, gender, ethnicity, where people live and attitude to climate change, will be chosen to take part.

The People's Jury will meet over 30 hours across eight sessions in February and March. All participants will receive £330 in vouchers as a thank you for their time.

Additional Information

Download a copy of the letter and frequently asked questions sent to selected residents in Preston. (PDF) [89KB]

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. 

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone