Call for Evidence: Examples of good practice needed of
Devolution of services to local councils, and
“Community agents”
Across the country, public services are having to do more with less as budgets are still further reduced but some demands and needs grow. As councils look for innovative ways to meet the needs of their population, it becomes ever more important for the different tiers of councils to work well together, avoid duplication, and deliver services at the most efficient and effective level. It is also vital for councils to work to strengthen community resilience and neighbourliness as this brings significant benefits for local people and can reduce demand for more formal services.
The Government’s Localism and Open Public Services agendas are intended to provide more power and decision making to the most local level and give local councils the opportunities to take on additional services where appropriate. KALC is working with the principal councils in Kent and Medway to identify good practice case studies that others can learn from. Last year, the National Association of Local Councils and the Local Government Association published ‘Modelling Devolution’, which described the work they had done to promote devolution on the back of the Localism Act. This identified five broad models of devolution:
1. An agreed local charter or contract laying down the principles for how councils should work together;
2. Community asset transfers;
3. Clustering of local councils to take on services;
4. Transferred service delivery to the local council with the service funded locally from the parish precept, volunteers, or some other local resource;
5. Joint service provision, where local councils top up or enhance an existing service provided by the principal authority or where principal councils support local councils to improve their capability to provide services).
A number of interesting case studies are in the report, including the creation of Hextable Parish Council in Sevenoaks. However, we are now keen to learn of other examples, particularly where councils can demonstrate that services are being successfully delivered with less money, or where initiatives have resulted in reduced demands for formal services. The intention is to draw together case studies to share across councils in Kent and Medway in the hope that innovation and good practice can be spread as councils develop their strategies for the future. It also provides an opportunity for councils to celebrate their success and raise their profile through offering a case study.
A linked but separate piece of work is to gather examples of “community agent” schemes. In your area are there any individuals, paid or volunteers, whose role involves making connections between vulnerable/isolated/needy individuals or families and the services (statutory or voluntary) or informal support that meets their needs?
If you are able to provide a ‘devolution case study’ or an example of a village or community agent, please complete the form overleaf and send to by Thursday 25 September. Thank you.
DEVOLUTION OF SERVICES
Example
Name of Council / Wittersham Parish Council (Cluster Lead)Service devolved down to you / Highways work (KCC): Street furniture/gullies/drains/sightlines etc.
Landscape maintenance (Ashford BC): grass cutting/hedge trimming/ litter bins/dog bins/safety checks and maintenance on housing play areas, etc.
Brief Description of Project/Service / The Village Caretaker Scheme has been able to take remedial action regarding highways issues: keeping grits clear and making new ones where necessary; keeping the Highways Steward informed of blocked drains and gullies; using the on-line Highways recording system for potholes (and then keeping track of them and chasing up where necessary); cleaning street signs; grass cutting; and keeping drains clear of mud, leaves etc. All of this has made a big improvement across the cluster of villages and amongst other things has already alleviated local flooding.
There have also been far-reaching social advantages, linking with the KCC Community Warden and the PCSO. An example of that social gain was when the Village Caretaker was able to support an elderly informed resident by cutting her small plot of grass to the front off her house.
Associated Funding / KCC Highways
Ashford Borough Council
Wittersham Parish Council, Warehorne Parish Council, Stone-cum-Ebony Parish Council, Kenardington Parish Council
Comments/further information / (e.g. rationale for the devolution; what’s worked well; what barriers had to be overcome; how much money saved; ways in which the service has improved or broadened scope; unanticipated benefits or problems)
Your Council’s Return
Name of CouncilService devolved down to you
Associated Funding
Comments/further information
EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY OR VILLAGE AGENT
Example
Name of Council / A.N.Other Parish CouncilDescription of role, and funding. / In our Parish we have a Community Warden who has a comprehensive understanding of the wide range of services available. She is really good at networking with the community, keeping her ear to the ground, and identifying people who could do with some support – for example, an isolated elderly person or a family with a new baby who are struggling to cope, or a teenager who is in danger of going off the rails. She makes the connection with services who can help. She also gives the statutory services feedback about e.g. gaps in services, based on her experience. This is a salaried post, paid by KCC.
Your Council’s Return
Name of CouncilDescription of role, and funding.
Name and contact details of person completing the return:
Name:
Phone number:
Email address: