Localism in action:the future of local councils

Justin Griggs, Head of Policy & Development, NALC

The National Association Who are we, what do we do?

National representative and support body for local (parish & town) councils in England (and community and town councils in Wales)

Provide services, support and information in areas such as legal, policy and training

Work with government and other stakeholders to support and develop the role of local councils in communities and local government

Partnerships with local County Associations of Local Councils, Local Government Association, County Councils Network, One Voice Wales, Scottish Association of Community Councils, UK Alliance for International Development

Session options….

• Introductions (everyone): name & organisation, what is localism (5 words)

• Unconference style?

• Or short talk from me then paired & group discussion

Session outline

Government objectives – our opportunities?

We all have a part to play How can we demonstrate capabilities? How can we get our message across? Initiatives and developments

The very local government and community action model

9000 local councils in England, £500m+ expenditure 80,000 councillors, elected and co-opted, 25,000 staff 15 million people covered by local councils, 33% of

population Diverse sector, smallest covering <200, largest

>80,000, urban and rural Legal structure, but with extensive powers (and duties) Over 200 new parish councils created since 1997,

mostly in town and urban areas Not always the answer, but informal partnerships may

come and go

Successive Government view of parish councils

An established and valued form of local democracy and management

Increasing role in urban areas Government policy: - build on the existing local council structure - improve its capacity to deliver better services

and represent the community’s interests Has many powers already Local authorities can delegate additional

functions and budgets to a local council

Big Society and localism– government objectives

1. Give communities and individuals more power

2. Encourage people to take an active role in their communities

3. Transfer power from central to local government

4. Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises

Opportunities

• Local councils support this specification!• Build on strengths and uniqueness• Tough economic climate• Chance to deliver more for communities• Keep on doing what were doing; do more of it;

keep talking about it; do some new stuff!• Turn your role on its head – starting point should

be ‘what does the community want from us?’

What part can we all play?

National action

County support

Local engagement

Council activity

How can we demonstrate our capabilities?

• Full use of powers/precept (and new powers)• Embrace new initiatives and technologies• Utilising quality tools• Training and learning• Share good practice• Effective policies and procedures• Effective communication• Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate• Build on our strengths, work on our weaknesses

Initiatives and Developments Localism Bill (Council tax freeze &) referendums on increases Referendums on local issues & reform of parish polls Community right to build/challenge Community assets and right to buy Power of general competence Statutory n’hood plans – local councils & n’hood groups Predetermination and standards Abolition of quango’s – Audit Commission, Standards for England

& Commission for Rural Communities Financial reforms – New Homes bonus/Business Rate/CiL &

cheques Repeal duty to promote democracy All Party Parliamentary Group Quality parishes scheme/new National Training Strategy

The new landscape? Local councils working with community groups and other

partners like principal authorities to:- understand viability of local assets and service provision- enhance and sustain facilities and services (step change

from traditional to new services)- organise the precept to maximise community finance- represent the collective needs and opportunities in dealing

with statutory bodies Acting as guardians of sustainable community-led plan and

develop statutory neighbourhood plan Developing and protecting reputation Use precept to meet community need and support

community leadership role Greater confidence to use powers, particularly new well

being/general competence power The local council as enabler, convenor, facilitator, nudger?

Further information and stuff:

www.nalc.gov.ukjustin.griggs@nalc.gov.ukwww.nalcjustin.wordpress.comFollow me on Twitter…@JustinGriggswww.slideshare.net/JustinGriggs