District council’s work on Localism earns more national recognition

Wyre Forest District Council’s work on Localism has attracted more national recognition.

The district’s track record for transferring assets and responsibility for some grass roots services to local town and parish councils, community groups and charities has been highlighted in a new guide produced by the Local Government Association (LGA) and National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

The guide sets out how local councils can work more effectively in partnership and features Wyre Forest District Council among a series of case studies illustrating how better collaboration between tiers of councils can bring benefits to communities.

Wyre Forest District Council has also been held up as a model for others in a new ‘Transformation in Localities’ toolkit produced by the District Councils’ Network in association with Grant Thornton. The toolkit, which was launched at the DCN spring assembly, will help district councils achieve their ambitions for collaborative transformation both with each other and with other partners.

The Toolkit builds on previous DCN research and the preliminary findings of an All Party Parliamentary Group’s  Inquiry last July, which also featured Wyre Forest District Council’s Localism as a good example of collaborative working.

Wyre Forest District Council Leader Councillor Marcus Hart welcomed the latest recognition. He said: “Our reputation is high for our localism work, and we are being regularly featured in national studies and reports as good practice examples.

“I’m proud that our work here in Wyre Forest continues to be recognised as ground-breaking and innovative. We will press on and look for new and improved ways of working with parish and town councils and other community organisations to deliver services residents need and deserve.”

Chairman of the DCN Councillor John Fuller, said: “This is an important body of work, published at a pivotal point for local government, which will help all districts to reflect a future that is shaped by our residents and that the whole of Government can respond to at a local level. Using the toolkit to frame local housing, commuting, health and economic geographies will provide a practical evidence base to strategically engage across the public sector, but with the flexibility to respond to local circumstances, right down to street level.”

Paul Dossett, Head of Local Government, Grant Thornton UK LLP said:“Some of the most innovative and collaborative practice we have seen within local government has been led by district councils, so we are pleased to have worked with the District Councils’ Network to develop this practical toolkit. We hope that it will support all districts as they seek to work with their neighbours and local partners to shape vibrant places in which people and businesses can thrive.”