Forums

 

Area Governance
 

Thurrock Council wanted to know how the community felt about Thurrock and local services so they developed an approach to area governance which aims to:

• Bring Council decisions more out into the open and closer to the public

• Devolve decision making and make it more relevant

• Influence how resources and services are allocated and delivered localy

• Strengthen local networks

• Encourage community leadership
   

• Increase local democracy and improve the quality of life for the people of Thurrock.

To do this Thurrock Council set up Area Assemblies. These are supported by independent Community Forums where local people have the opportunity to directly influence how the council do things.

What Community Forums Do 

Community Forums bring together independent representative groups and individuals to make a real difference to their community. By coming together, they develop local community networks; strengthen partnerships between local people and the Council, and have a say in decisions about local issues. Once Community Forums have been officially recognised by their local Area Assembly, they can allocate Council funding for local initiatives.

What Area Assemblies Do

Area Assemblies have delegated responsibility for overseeing the delivery of Council services in their area and manage devolved budgets. They work with local communities and agencies to identify and solve local problems; support and administer funding to recognised Community Forums; provide opportunities for area-based development; and consult the community about their proposals.

Membership of Area Assemblies include Ward Councillors; Partner Agencies, including the Police, the Primary Care Trust, CVS and TRAG, and Community Forum representatives.

Financial Regulations   

Recognised Community Forums will be able to put forward projects in their area for funding. Each Forum may be delegated a budget of £10,000 to spend on projects. Proposed projects will be presented to the Area Assembly for approval. The initiatives must meet certain criteria, including being consistent with the Council’s Community Plan.

Update: Thurrock Borough Council has undergone a regime change and is now controlled by the Conservatives. In a review of Area Governance TBC have suspended the Area Assemblies until such time as a new model can be agreed.