Localism

What is this all about?

The Government is planning to pass more power down to local residents and Parish Councils, so they will have more control over how their village is managed.

The County News - Autumn 2011 - published by Lincolnshire County Council, had some interesting information for local communities this week.

In the 'Face-to-Face' article, Councillor Sue Woolley stated:

• '... local government is full of talk about "localism"... '
• 'The idea is to transfer more power down to a "grassroots" level, particularly parish and town councils.'
• It may also be possible to transfer certain budgets to local councils, which can then organise improved services for themselves.'
• 'A bigger society is all about a renewed sense of community...'

The Grassroots special feature went on to comment:

• 'Parish and town councils have always been at the heart of local communities - but often with limited power - now that is changing... '.

So what will need to change, if anything?

What the County News articles fail to highlight, is that more power attracts more responsibility. With small councils growing in importance, not all will be well placed to handle this added responsibility and some preparation may be necessary.

I have attended many parish council meetings as we have moved around the UK over the years and have found hugely differing practices. Some are very professional in the way they conduct business, others are quite frankly amateurish and ineffective.

'Localism' will require much more of Parish Councillors and their employees, who will need to refresh their knowledge and skills to keep up to date with current best practice. This can be done through training courses and seminars, all of which are provided... but I believe this must be an expected duty of public service for the future. Of course, much of the day-to-day parish and town council work is carried out by a paid clerk, but this will also apply to them.

With the Government committed to creating a 'Big Society', the role of the Clerk and Parish Councillors will be key to progress in the local community, encouraging self-help and providing more services for local residents. There will be more local decision making and involvement, but only if handled correctly. So my belief is that Parish Councils will have to become more business-like if 'localism' is to succeed.

For example, how many Parish Councils have adopted Emergency Planning for their community, creating a contingency plan for severe winter weather? This may involve having a formal plan to mobilise volunteer groups to clear snow and spread grit in the village, or it could be a rota of individuals who will visit elderly neighbours to make sure they have enough food and are warm enough in a cold snap. These are the type of activity that will be required with more local control... just one amongst many.

It is extremely encouraging to see our local community now attempting to put together a Parish Plan through CLAN, who will submit their report to the Parish Council in months to come. Unfortunately, we in Nocton are a 'little late to the table'. Many other Parish Councils had their Parish Plans in place years ago e.g. Parish Councillors in Saxilby adopted 'localism' about 5 years ago before the term was born, when they developed a new vision for their parish - and Peter Odam (Chairman) astutely said it was "about making the parish more business-like".

Finally, local communities are being invited to bid for monies in the "Councillor Big Society Fund". With £160K available, this equates to about £2K for each of the 77 council areas. Residents and local groups can nominate a good cause through their County Councillor... but this will only happen if the community can take the trouble to get involved.

For more information, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bigsocietyfund and http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ (click on 'Local Democracy' at the top of the home page).
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