Time to join the party, by Andrew Jepp

6 Apr 11
Councils have little cause for celebration these days but the forthcoming royal wedding offers a chance to foster community harmony and cheer

Councils have little cause for celebration these days but the forthcoming royal wedding offers a chance to foster community harmony and cheer

this month will bring not only the royal wedding, but also an opportunity for a different kind of marriage to take place – this time between local authorities and their communities. William and Kate’s nuptials in London should revive the street party in towns and villages across the country, giving neighbourhoods a chance to unite in celebration of the big day.

Community events are probably not very high on local government’s priority list at the moment but they could be the perfect way for councils to embark on the path to community harmony and truly joined-up thinking. This would also chime with the government’s call for Big Society values.

Supporting street parties and other community events – from occasions as wide-ranging as flower shows and summer fêtes – could enable local authorities to foster a renewed community spirit, which is likely to prove incredibly beneficial in the coming months.

There are, undeniably, some risks attached to these events but as long as they are well-managed, local authorities stand to gain more than they might lose. So, the question is, can authorities afford not to join in the party?

For a start, they can strongly enhance their reputations by actively encouraging community events, liaising with organisers from the outset and helping plans come to fruition. We know that times are tough, with everything from budgets to bins under scrutiny. But reputation management is more important now than ever before, with the risk of redundancies and changes to service provision and providers.

In a similar vein, it is not only local councils experiencing the effects of tightened purse strings – many residents are also feeling the pressure and need to budget hard. That is why joining together with friends and neighbours to celebrate the royal wedding and other summer festivities will be so valuable, acting as a great mood enhancer, providing welcome respite and – weather permitting – an opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Further, encouraging community collaboration might even help people learn more about their neighbours, their skills and joint interests – beneficial insights for more than just social reasons. A community that is well-equipped and willing to take on extra responsibilities will be particularly valuable as councils seek to find new ways of working and to deliver more for less.

Of course, no street party is as simple as just putting up some bunting and throwing a sausage on the barbecue. A successful community event requires a great deal of planning and forethought and, in many instances, a host of permissions. As local authorities have a wealth of experience from previous events they are well-placed to advise organisers on any complexities and requirements, particularly around issues such as public liability.

Historically, the ‘compensation culture’ and threats of legal action have been a huge concern for local authorities, influencing whether events are allowed to happen.

Insurers and organisations such as fire and police services can be major enablers of these sorts of public events. If consulted early on, they can provide advice and protection that can give peace of mind, as well as clarifying where liability does – and does not – fall.

Undeniably, these are challenging times for councils and residents alike, with reduced budgets and every decision under scrutiny. But engaging with those organising events from the outset, giving clear and accessible advice, and encouraging events to take place could prove invaluable in terms of reputation – surely that’s excuse enough for a good old-fashioned knees-up?

Andrew Jepp is director of public services at Zurich Municipal

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