Devolving more power to local communities is a hot topic. Effective councils will have many mechanisms set up to inform, consult and involve local people in the business of the council. But empowering residents in ways that enables them to transform their lives and their communities means developing new approaches for enabling resident-led solutions.
The results can be as diverse as championing community-based health initiatives that residents are pioneering in your area, to supporting a community group’s application to establish a Community Land Trust.
LGiU has worked in partnership with Local Trust to explore how councillors can actively support communities to lead their own projects by facilitating conversations, using their network and influence, and advocating within their local authority.
Stages of the project:
- Local Trust sponsored the Community Collaboration award category at LGiU’s C’llr Achievement Awards 2016
- LGiU and Local Trust hosted a roundtable discussion with councillors across the country in February 2017 to discuss ‘How councillors can enable resident-led solutions‘. A write-up of the session can be found here.
- LGiU and Local Trust published a joint report drawing on case studies of community collaboration which were highlighted in the C’llr Awards nominations and at the roundtable discussion.
About Local Trust
Local Trust is a charity that enables residents and those they trust to create lasting change, supporting communities to ensure resident and community-led transformation of people and places. Local Trust runs the Big Local programme (funded by the Big Lottery Fund), an exciting opportunity for residents in 150 areas around England to receive £1m and a range of support over 15 years to make a lasting positive difference to their communities. Big Local brings together all the local talent, ambition, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area and even better place to live.
