|
PR 92
RELEASE IMMEDIATE: 19 September2003
Can-docouncils do the future
Enterprising councils around Britain are acting in areasbeyond the traditional scope of local government to improve life for localpeople, according to a new report from local democracy think tank the LocalGovernment Information Unit (LGIU) to be published on Monday 21 September 2003.
In promotingexamples of the community leadership and innovation of local authorities, Doing the Future encourages localauthorities to make greater use of the well-being powers that were introducedin the Local Government Act 2000. The well-being powers are available to alllocal authorities and do not rely upon them achieving an 'excellent statusthrough central governments Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), unlikesome of the other freedoms and flexibilities that local government has beenpromised.
Case studies used in Doingthe Future include:
South Gloucestershire Councils school cateringservice, supplying locally produced organic food.
Woking Councils ownership of an environmentallyprogressive energy company Thameswey Ltd, promoting energy efficiency in itsarea.
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Councils insurancescheme, fighting financial exclusion
The London Borough of Mertons Merton PartnershipAgainst Crime (MPAC) initiative to co-ordinate local efforts against crime andthe fear of it.
Birmingham City Councils pioneering of the HouseProudmodel, which later became a national scheme, to help meet the housing repairsbacklog among homeowners.
The London Boroughs of Greenwichs work in encouragingits local schools to develop extended school activities and linking them withthe Councils Childrens Services.
HilaryKitchin, LGIU Policy Officer and editor of Doingthe Future, said: In a world where the electorate increasingly questionsthe delivery of the same old services in the same old way, many councils areshowing great community leadership qualities in promoting joined up working andinnovation to meet the changing needs and aspirations of their localcommunities.
Ihope that Doing the Future will also encourage councils to use the newwell-being powers creatively to improve the quality of life in theircommunities. Because councils do not have to be classed as excellent toexploit the well-being freedom, it is a beacon of opportunity that more localcouncils should take advantage of.
TheLGIU will continue to point out where local democracy is wrongly denied power.This makes it all the more important for local government to recognise and usethe power that it does have to make a difference,
ENDS
For further information contact:
KevinMorton Tel. 020 7554 2858; Mobile 07958 314846; E mail kevin.morton@lgiu.org.uk
MaryWimbury Tel. 020 7554 2845; Mobile 07958 521344; E mailmary.wimbury@lgiu.org.uk
Notesto Editors
1. PartOne of the Local Government Act 2000 gave local authorities powers to takeaction that promotes or improves the social, economic and environmentalwell-being of their area.
2. Journalistscan obtain a free copy of Doing theFuture, please by contacting Mary Houston, LGIU Publications Officer, ontel. 020 7554 2844; or e-mail Mary.houston@lgiu.org.uk
3. Copies of Doingthe Future are on sale at 20 each (10 to LGIU affiliates) from CentralBooks on 0845 458 9910, 0845 458 9912 (fax) or e-mail mo@centralbooks.com.
4. The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) isBritains foremost independent local democracy think tank, campaigning toextend local authority best practice, freedoms and responsibilities. Recent initiatives have included theCommission on Local Governance and the LGIU is working to influence the debateon local government modernisation. The LGIU and its education service TEN (TheEducation Network) also provides research, policy briefings, information,advice, training and lobbying services to 150 local authority and trade unionaffiliates. PreviousLGIU news releases and statements can be viewed at www.lgiu.gov.uk.