These would have the potential to engage in local democracy not just around election time.

Voices have been heard in self-organised peaceful and legal protests for example, but there doesn't seem to be an official platform for scrutinise policies.

Update: we have: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/modernGov/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=PetitionGuidance and this https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-say/petitions-and-e-petitions/

Perhaps these 2 could help with that.