Portsmouth’s neighbourhood forums are just one of the many ways we involve local people and communities in issues happening on their doorstep.

Parking, crime, planning developments, policing and schools are all hot topics which affect people’s lives. There are neighbourhood forums in two areas of the city and you can see details of these below.

To find out more email neighbourhood.forums@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Forum details

Neighbourhood ForumForum chairWebsite
MiltonJanice BurkinshawMilton Neighbourhood Forum
Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf QuaysTony Davenport

How neighbourhood forums work

All forums have an independent chair – a local resident elected by other residents to manage all meetings, make sure discussions don’t stray from the agenda and finish on time.

An agenda is set for each meeting by residents on a forum committee, which means there are a list of issues to be discussed. If you want an item on the agenda please let us know in advance via the contact details below.

There can be a real mix of discussion at forums, and speakers are invited to talk on specific topics. These can be staff from the council, police or health services, ward councillors or others. Forums are non-political, enabling us to encourage fair debate and discussion to get all views on an issue.

Who can attend neighbourhood forums?

An open door policy means anyone who lives, works, studies or has business interests in the relevant forum area, can join in the discussion. Just turn up and have your say at a forum meeting.

Local means local

If we’re talking about local issues, we wouldn’t expect you to trek halfway across Portsmouth to give your views.  Forums are held in local venues like schools, community centres or church halls. Most meetings are held on weekday evenings and run for about two hours.

Meetings are advertised locally and in the local press.