Join this online event launching Collaborate’s new report to hear practical insights from Test Valley Borough Council’s approach to neighbourhood governance. We’ll explore what this means in practice and discuss the wider national implications for neighbourhood governance and democratic renewal.
Context
The requirement for councils to establish effective neighbourhood governance through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill presents a powerful opportunity to bring decision-making closer to communities to strengthen democratic participation and create more responsive, locally driven public services.
However, as our new report with Test Valley Borough Council highlights, meaningful neighbourhood governance cannot be achieved by simply creating new structures. Instead there needs to be a focus on building the conditions that enable communities, councillors and local partners to work together effectively at a meaningful local scale.
At this online event hosted by Test Valley Council and Collaborate CIC you’ll get an insight into the impact of Test Valley’s approach, how it works in practice, and future priorities. We’ll then explore how these experiences can inform wider national practice on neighbourhood governance – and democratic renewal and public service reform more widely.
This event
At this event you’ll hear from the Test Valley Borough Council leader, Phil North, and CEO, Andy Ferrier, plus representation from the council, health partners and the community. There will also be input from community initiatives, think tanks and local and national government leaders on what we can learn from Test Valley and the wider national implications and opportunities.
The event is aimed at those working in local government and wider public services, political leaders, community organisations, and anyone interested in neighbourhood governance.
A key aim of the event is to help bridge the often siloed conversations taking place across the community sector, local government and central government, enabling us to seize the opportunity presented by meaningful neighbourhood governance together.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and reflections and share what you’d find helpful to explore further with Test Valley and peers in the future.