Agenda item

Abigail Gallop, Senior Adviser, introduced item five.  The presentation focused on establishing an LGA position around the role of communities and the voluntary sector in local decision-making, following the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) publishing their Civil Society Strategy in August 2018.  Abagail updated members that MHCLG is now developing a ‘Communities Framework’ that is similar to the Civil Society Strategy. 

Following the presentation, the Chair welcomed members comments: 

Members stated that it was imperative that local councillors become involved in this area of work, to ensure accountability. Members raised concerns over voluntary groups being overtaken by political motivation and messaging, and the importance of avoiding the voluntary and community sector (VCS) becoming politics through the back door.  Members raised concerns over the meaning of the sector having more control and whether this could undermine the democratic process.  

Members gave examples of voluntarily sectors having representations at cabinet meetings in some places, and how this ensures that these groups are heard within the communities.  Members stated this ensures that elected members still make difficult decisions without undermining the democratic process, whilst still gathering grassroots perspectives 

It was recognised that the VCS have invaluable knowledge, but members also noted that voluntarily sector organisations are not local councillors or authorities, and can be interest groups that only represent a small group of people. On numerous occasions, members agreed that this was a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, given the voluntary sector works differently across the UK.  Members raised questions over the motivation of these strategies. 

The discussion then turned too hard to reach residents within communities, who are not represented by the voluntarily sector (particularly in rural areas).  Local government does represent these people. 

Members then discussed the role of town and parish councils in terms of offering an effective, community level sounding board and input. 

Following members comments, Abigail thanked members for the helpful, strong responses, and stated that both DCMS and MHCLG are still not clear of their approach or direction with these strategies.  Abigail stated that MHCLG’s consultation is due out in the spring, with no clear dates given, but will feedback the response to this at the next lead members meeting. 

Actions

-       Members noted the update. 

-       An update of this work will be presented at the next lead members meeting, with a consultation response (depending when the consultation is published).