All neighbourhoods should have some system of local governance – a way for local people and stakeholders to manage what is going on in their area and draw people together on common activity.
The design of such a system needs careful thought: to ensure an effective balance between different interests and a clear remit around decision-making. It also needs to work practically. So for example, members need to have the rights skills, the format must be effective, it needs some support, and should be open and transparent. The role of the local authority members in any such governance structure is crucial given their democratic mandate.
In EC1, the presence of the NDC partnership to some extent acted as this local governance structure even though there was also an ‘Area Committee’ system run by the Council that could take key decisions. In the latter stages of the programme, a ‘Neighbourhood Steering Group’ was set up to be the vehicle for local governance. There were some important differences from the NDC Board:
- It was made up of local rather than borough-wide officials (e.g. the steering group member was the Area Housing office manager, not the Deputy Chief Executive of the ALMO).
- It was also chaired by a local councillor whereas the NDC Board was chaired by a local resident (though local residents were present)
- It did not have authority to make decisions about money
- It was supported by a neighbourhood manager rather than a delivery team.
The Neighbourhood Steering Group has evolved into a different form – a Ward-Based Partnership which is supported by the Council. These are led by local councillors but will also forge close links with local community anchor organizations to be more inclusive. It is important to balance the roles of Council-led and community-led structures given the different interests, power and resources they are likely to have.
