New powers that would put local people at the heart of decisions affecting their communities have been tabled, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Council leaders will be asked to agree changes to Durham County Council’s 12 Local Networks to ensure residents, councillors, businesses and partner organisations can collaborate to improve their local areas.
Changes to the scheme include a new structure, which includes a new Local Network Elected Member Board, a Local Network Stakeholder Panel and regular Local Network Community Forums.
Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “These changes to our Local Networks would strengthen place-based working and community leadership and place county councillors at the heart of strategic and financial decision-making while strengthening shared development, understanding and delivery of local priorities.”
New Local Network Action Plans (LNAPs) would be set up to create effective coordination and delivery of council and partnership activity, as well as how Local Network funding is spent, the council said.
Stakeholder Panels would work alongside Local Network Community Forums and would consist of representatives from core stakeholders including police, fire, housing, health, town and parish councils, and businesses.
Consideration would also be given to how the wider voluntary community sector is involved at the Stakeholder Panel level.
Local Network Community Forums would be opened up to everyone who lives, works or studies in the area to attend, increasing representation and involvement from a greater proportion of County Durham.
Cllr Lyons added: “These changes would ensure continued and deeper engagement with communities, provide more clarity for members and partners in terms of their role and influence, and support delivery of inclusive growth and improved outcomes for residents across County Durham.”
Cabinet members will discuss the proposed changes to the Local Networks next Wednesday (March 18).
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
