These resources will be useful if you are interested in what the key drivers for local government policy are, and how you can use them. Please note that some of this policy is currently undergoing changes under the new Coalition Government.
Localism
The localism agenda underpins the new Government’s plans to create a ‘
Big Society’ and devolve
greater power to local communities. Women’s Resource Centre is extremely
concerned about the effect that decentralisation will have on gender
equality. Whilst localism as a concept seeks to empower local communities,
without a focus on equality it may perpetuate female disadvantage.
New legislation such as the Localism Bill is designed to
give more freedom to local authorities and grant communities more ways
to be involved in local decision-making, however it may actually be a way to increase privatisation.
Factsheets about local government policy
Below are links to a range of easy-to-read factsheets about some of the key local government policies and mechanisms women’s organisations need to know about.
This duty came into place in April 2009 and places responsibility on public bodies to inform, involve and engage local people. The Duty to Involve is currently under review.
LSPs are a partnership of local government, business and VCS which determine what issues are important locally and what services should be prioritised and, therefore, funded. Local Strategic Partnerships are currently under review.
Participatory budgeting (PB) directly involves local people in making decisions on the spending and priorities about local budgets, and all local authority areas should be doing it by 2012.
WRC has developed a presentation and workshop for women's groups on engaging with local agendas which we are happy to come and deliver. Please contact policy@wrc.org.uk or telephone 0207 324 3030 for more information.
Urban Forum and Bassac produced a guide on local action for community groups.
Useful places to get updates on local government policy