Transcript Slide 1

On the Ground – the
Localism Act in Practice
Ed Poulter
On the Ground the Localism Act in
Practice
Aim – to share the experiences from community
organisations that are undertaking projects within the
spirit of the Localism Act and the associated Rights.
• Project lasting a year (started Aug 2012)
• Following seven community groups across Y&H
• Urban / rural mix
Pre interview questionnaire
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75% knew the basics
Right to Challenge most and Right to Build the least
Opportunity, didn’t quite know enough to judge their
value
Perceived barriers to taking up the Rights included
political barriers / local authority attitudes
Support - access to one to one advice, first hand
experiences and practical written materials
Transfer of Services from North East Lincolnshire Council to
Immingham Town Council (Right to Challenge)
Learning Points
Funds follow function – that the service can be delivered with the amount
of funds available. Do the planning well first.
Run project as a pilot to get around LA’s concerns / apprehensions / risk
adverse nature – prove to LA that you can do it.
By ITC delivering services it incorporates civic pride. Local authorities
need to take this into account – Social Value – Public Services Act 2012.
Having a LA that is receptive to proposals is key (not always been like
this but have built up relationships over time – works two ways)
Gain local support by explaining to the local people that you have saved
them £X’s etc. Using the local press to communicate this.
Grimsby Ice Factory Trust – potential use of the Right to Bid on the
disused Ice Factory in Grimsby
Learning Points
Gaining local support is key – many of the locals see Ice Factory as an
eyesore. Division between those who like it and those who don’t.
Support from NELC is mixed. NELC been supporting project but have not as
yet been overly optimistic.
Project is still in its early days – GIFT needs to be come legal entity to be able
to use the Right to Bid.
Next visit planned early 2013
Observations from other visits – potential issues……..
Acquisition of assets in a few years time if no income earner –
get consultation right?
Profit making assets to fund the loss making ones – i.e. car
parks.
Conflict between community groups and others - monetary
power. What support is available for community groups when
friction arises? Legal fees etc.
Things don’t always work well at the parish / town council level.
Community Activists
Frustrations with LA asset transfer departments
Transferring of services - some LA employees may see their
jobs at risk.
Observations from other visits - what's
worked well……
Building initial relationships with MPs, local
councillors and the community early on to gain
support.
Consult well initially – is it a small group or the
whole community that want to keep the asset?
Working in partnership with the local authority/asset owner is key to the success of the
project. View them as partners rather than a barrier that needs to be overcome.
Using local press to gain support – only portray the facts
Board – recruit the right skills (business knowledge, accounting, business plan writing
etc). Use funding available for expertise etc. Retired Professionals
Final Thoughts
Using the Rights is the last resort in obtaining an asset, taking over a
service etc.
The new Rights give community groups that extra lever when
conversations deteriorate.
Take a copy of our ten top tips to utilising the ‘Rights’