How a local authority used Informed Voices for a local plan consultation
A UK local authority wanted to move beyond static surveys and capture how residents weighed arguments for and against key policies. They ran a structured debate on Informed Voices and used the results in their scrutiny and reporting.
The challenge
Traditional consultations on local plans often produce one-off responses without context. The council wanted to understand not only whether people supported or opposed a motion, but which arguments resonated and whether participants changed their view after reading both sides.
What they did
They ran a time-bound debate on Informed Voices: participants set an initial position (for, against, or undecided), contributed arguments or evidence, and voted only after the debate period closed. The platform provided moderation, regional breakdowns, and a clear methodology.
Outcomes
Participation
Hundreds of residents took part. The structured format encouraged more considered contributions than an open comment box, and the council could see which arguments were rated highest on each side.
Mind-change rate
A significant share of participants changed their position after reading the debate. This gave the council a clear signal of deliberative quality and which arguments were most persuasive.
How results were used
Vote percentages, top arguments, and regional breakdowns were shared with scrutiny committees and included in reports. The council embedded result links in public-facing pages and used the data to inform recommendations.
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