Pilot programme for local services

Cheshire East Council has put in a successful bid to run a national pilot for a new government programme to make local services more effective and efficient.

'Delivering Differently in Neighbourhoods' was set up to help local authorities do more with less by working with local communities and neighbourhood groups to redesign services to meet their needs.

The government asked for innovative approaches that would draw on the energy and expertise of local people to find ways to reduce reliance on public services and cut waste.

The programme aims to give local people a greater role in solving problems in their local area with the help of neighbourhood organisations, parishes and the voluntary sector.

It is hoped that this will improve outcomes for local people, with more opportunities for prevention, early intervention and more effective use of assets.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East's Cabinet member in charge of localism and enforcement, said: "Communities are the key stakeholders in shaping and developing Cheshire East and the services that the Council and partners deliver.

"The Council believes that vibrant community hubs will play a key role in providing fit-for-purpose and sustainable services in the right place and at the right time."

Initially focused on the Macclesfield area, Cheshire East's pilot project will explore opportunities for the transfer and devolution of assets and services to a new parish council.

It will also support communities throughout Macclesfield to identify and build upon local strengths and help them to develop action plans to tackle any problems.

The Council is keen to set up community partnerships to lead the development of community hubs. It wants to develop a framework within which community hubs can operate, allowing for flexibility and innovation, while developing and maintaining good governance and excellent service standards.

Local people will also have the opportunity to set up community interest companies to take over the delivery of some local services, to expand them and run them at new locations.

Work on the project will begin in February and the Council is looking for as many partners as possible. Anyone interested in participating should call Kirstie Hercules on 01270 686632.

Communities Minister Stephen Williams said: "The councils behind these projects are outlining plans to cleverly use resources and provide services that make a real difference to people's lives.

"Empowering local people to have a greater role in local services will not only help eliminate needless duplication and cut waste but it will also ensure better services are delivered to people how they want them – at a local neighbourhood level."

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