New "community boards" could be set up under the new unitary council to give residents "a stronger voice" on how services are designed and delivered in their area.

In a consultation launched on August 12, the Shadow Executive - who are working to create the new Buckinghamshire Council - is asking for residents, town and parish councils, community groups and other partner organisations across the county to give their feedback on proposals for community boards, which they say will help the new council "understand, respond to and support local communities more effectively".

The proposed community boards would bring together Buckinghamshire Council councillors with residents, health professionals, police, town and parish councils, partners and community groups to work together to tackle local issues.

These local issues could include improving facilities for young people, tackling social isolation of older people or helping to set up a community bus.

The consultation focuses on how the community boards would work, who would be involved, how many there should be and the areas they should cover across the county.

Localism member co-lead, Councillor Mark Shaw, who is a Shadow Executive member, Chiltern District Councillor and Buckinghamshire County Councillor, said: “We want Buckinghamshire Council to have strong links with its communities. Community boards are a vital way for the new council to understand local priorities and work together to find solutions. We know Buckinghamshire is a diverse county, and we need to be actively working with communities to make sure we improve outcomes for all of our residents.”

Fellow localism member co-lead, Councillor Katrina Wood (deputy leader of the Shadow Executive, leader of Wycombe District Council and Bucks County Councillor) added: “This is your chance to have a say about how decisions affecting your local community are made in the future. The new Buckinghamshire Council gives us a great opportunity to work together to build stronger relationships with our local communities. And we want you to help us get this right for the people of Buckinghamshire.”

Residents can complete a short online survey, available on the Shadow Authority website shadow.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/communityboards.

Public drop-in sessions are being held across the county to give residents more information about the survey. There will be one at the Bucks County Show on August 29, at Chiltern District Council's offices in Amersham from 10am to 12pm on September 5 and from 12pm to 2pm at Wycombe District Council's offices on September 17.