When we talk about inclusion of residents, we refer to user democracy, client orientation and increased citizen activity; and further, reinforcement of communal awareness and the consideration of the different age, gender and population groups in decision-making.
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Municipal councils must also ensure that local residents and service users have opportunities to participate in and influence their local authority's operations. The Finnish Local Government Act lays down these opportunities for participation.
Specifically, participation and influence can be furthered:
- by electing representatives of service users to municipal organs,
- by setting up administration for component areas of a local authority,
- by providing information about local affairs and holding hearings,
- by finding out residents' opinions before taking decisions,
- by providing for cooperation in managing the local authority’s functions,
- by helping residents to manage, prepare and plan matters on their own initiative; and
- by arranging municipal referenda.