On the Ground – the Localism Act in Practice Ed Poulter

1. On the Ground – the Localism Act in Practice Ed Poulter

2. Aim – to share the experiences from community organisations that are undertaking projects within the spirit of the Localism Act and the associated Rights. Project lasting a year (started Aug 2012) Following seven community groups across Y&H Urban / rural mix On the Ground the Localism Act in Practice

3. 75% knew the basics Right to Challenge most and Right to Build the least Opportunity, didn’t quite know enough to judge their value Perceived barriers to taking up the Rights included political barriers / local authority attitudes Support - access to one to one advice, first hand experiences and practical written materials Pre interview questionnaire

4. Transfer of Services from North East Lincolnshire Council to Immingham Town Council (Right to Challenge)

6. Learning Points Funds follow function – that the service can be delivered with the amount of funds available. Do the planning well first. Run project as a pilot to get around LA’s concerns / apprehensions / risk adverse nature – prove to LA that you can do it. By ITC delivering services it incorporates civic pride. Local authorities need to take this into account – Social Value – Public Services Act 2012. Having a LA that is receptive to proposals is key (not always been like this but have built up relationships over time – works two ways) Gain local support by explaining to the local people that you have saved them £X’s etc. Using the local press to communicate this.

7. Grimsby Ice Factory Trust – potential use of the Right to Bid on the disused Ice Factory in Grimsby

9. Learning Points Gaining local support is key – many of the locals see Ice Factory as an eyesore. Division between those who like it and those who don’t. Support from NELC is mixed. NELC been supporting project but have not as yet been overly optimistic. Project is still in its early days – GIFT needs to be come legal entity to be able to use the Right to Bid. Next visit planned early 2013

10. Observations from other visits – potential issues…….. Acquisition of assets in a few years time if no income earner – get consultation right? Profit making assets to fund the loss making ones – i.e. car parks. Conflict between community groups and others - monetary power. What support is available for community groups when friction arises? Legal fees etc. Things don’t always work well at the parish / town council level. Community Activists Frustrations with LA asset transfer departments Transferring of services - some LA employees may see their jobs at risk.

11. Observations from other visits - what's worked well…… Building initial relationships with MPs, local councillors and the community early on to gain support. Consult well initially – is it a small group or the whole community that want to keep the asset? Working in partnership with the local authority/asset owner is key to the success of the project. View them as partners rather than a barrier that needs to be overcome. Using local press to gain support – only portray the facts Board – recruit the right skills (business knowledge, accounting, business plan writing etc). Use funding available for expertise etc. Retired Professionals

12. Final Thoughts Using the Rights is the last resort in obtaining an asset, taking over a service etc. The new Rights give community groups that extra lever when conversations deteriorate. Take a copy of our ten top tips to utilising the ‘Rights’