The Government’s announcement on Local Government Reorganisation starts to provide much-needed clarity about the direction of travel, even though important details remain to be determined in most areas.
Until recently only some areas have had unitary authorities but the concept has now expanded to cover most of England and represents one of the most significant changes to local government in half a century. While these new structures are now becoming a reality, we must avoid assuming that every area faces the same challenges or requires the same solutions. England’s cities, towns, villages and rural communities each have their own identity, heritage, aspirations and priorities. A successful new system of local government must recognise and respond to those differences rather than impose a one-size-fits-all approach. Different size authorities have been created in different areas, some of which appear not to meet the original criteria and it is not yet clear if “county-wide” Mayors will follow to add some strategic input and replicate the concept first adopted in the larger metropolitan areas and more recently in other locations.
The civic movement has a vital role to play during this transition. Civic societies have long acted as constructive partners, bringing local knowledge, independent expertise and a deep understanding of place. As new authorities develop their governance, planning and engagement arrangements, we want to help embed best practice from the outset and support systems that are as efficient, effective and locally responsive as possible. Our shared goal must be to ensure that communities and the places they care about are well served by the new arrangements. After all, the government introduced this change programme as a way of devolving power from the centre and strengthening local accountability.
This is also a moment when collaboration becomes increasingly important. As we move away from individual places working with relatively small local planning authorities towards much larger organisations responsible for numerous urban and rural settlements, the need for stronger networks between civic societies becomes even greater.
That is why Civic Voice believes we need to strengthen and increase our county and regional groups as they will become more relevant than ever. They provide a forum for civic societies to share experience, identify common issues, speak with a stronger collective voice and engage more effectively with the new authorities operating across wider areas.
We are therefore calling on civic societies, volunteers and local campaigners to help us build these networks in those areas that lack this structure. Currently we have regional groups covering Yorkshire & Humber, West Midlands, and the North West and we have recently seen the formation of a Norfolk and Suffolk grouping. Our London members are covered by the London Forum who sit alongside us. There is a massive gap across the southern part of the country where we are keen to encourage formation of county and regional networks. We would love to hear from you, whether you are interested in establishing a new county or regional network or simply connecting with others nearby, please get in touch by email to info@civicvoice.org.uk . By working together across boundaries, we can strengthen the civic movement and ensure local communities continue to shape the future of the places they love.