By Richard Johnstone | 15 January 2014
The government’s expanded neighbourhood community budgets programme has been opened for applications from groups wanting to develop reforms to local public services.
The Our Place programme is to be expanded to more than 100 new areas following 12 successful pilot schemes in England.
Community development group Locality, which was appointed by the government last month to lead the £4.3m programme, today began the application process.
The scheme brings local people, community groups and providers together to identify where improvements could be made to services such as adult social care, health or employment.
Already, more than 250 organisations and individuals have expressed an interest in the scheme, so Locality chief executive Steve Wyler encouraged interested groups to apply early.
Earlier this month, he told Public Finance that initial grants to community groups would be used to assess local services, after which schemes will be selected to develop reforms so services better reflect local needs.
Launching the application programme today, Wyler said the rollout was a chance to spread a ‘culture of collaboration’ across public services.
He added: ‘We strongly believe that local people and local agencies have the insights, connections, passion and commitment to their neighbourhood to best decide what local services should look like and how public funds are spent. ‘We’re committed to putting power back in the hands of the people where it belongs.’
Communities minister Stephen Williams added that Our Place would help neighbourhoods across the country take control and tackle local issues.
‘Building on the great work emerging from the 12 Our Place pioneers this is a fantastic opportunity to support at least another 100 areas and create real momentum in changing the way that public services are delivered.
‘Locality, the Local Government Association and their partners have a wealth of experience in working with communities and public service providers and I wholeheartedly encourage any group with an interest in changing their neighbourhood for the better to apply and take advantage of the support that is on offer.’
