- Conference
- 2009 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 10 September 2008
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference welcomes the white paper, Communities in Control – Real People Real Power.
This Conference further notes the key proposals include:
1.A general duty on councils to promote local democracy through a range of actions which include; clearer information, better trained staff, improved engagement of young people and “more visible councillors in the community”. The staff training will involve basic instruction about the local democratic system;
2.The existing duty on local authorities to involve, which comes into effect in April 2009, and which requires appropriate steps to involve people in decisions, policies and services that may affect them” will be extended to a range of other bodies such as: Jobcentre Plus, Regional Development Agencies, Youth Offending Teams and the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council;
3.A new duty on local authorities to respond to petitions – any petition signed by 5% of residents will have to be debated at a fully council meeting
4.More directly elected mayors through making it easier for local people to demand a referendum;
5.The encouragement of more neighbourhood councils. A new “right of appeal” will be introduced where a community’s proposal for a local council is denied by the local authority
6.Raising the visibility of the overview and scrutiny function in local government. Proposals include making it compulsory for a chair or chief executive of a public body to face a regular public hearing
7.A new asset transfer unit will provide information, research and good practice on the transfer of assets to community control
8.A £70m Community Builders Fund will assist the sustainability of community led organisations and their role in local empowerment and involvement
9.The creation of a new “Empowering the Frontline Taskforce” which will include a range of organisations including trade unions. The taskforce will look at the role of the public service workforce in empowering users and residents and how the frontline can respond to a more empowered public”.
This Conference calls on the National Black Members’ Committee (NBMC) to ensure
a.Role developments are raised & discussed at the appropriate Service Groups & Sectors for frontline staff in relation to “community building”. Role enhancement to the positive benefit of the employee and community should be the desired aim because it is our belief that role intensification will not deliver a positive outcome. Branches should be aware and discuss the extent of any possible changes with their employer;
b.The White Paper remains largely silent on the depth and scope of the “guidance” which will accompany the (extended) duty to promote local involvement. The NBMC through appropriate service groups relevant National Executive Council Committees, should discuss with local authorities how they can become involved within local democratic and decision making processes, especially where workforce changes are likely to result;
c.Guidance is given on how the role of the public service workforce in empowering users and residents and how the frontline can respond to a more empowered public.
d. Branches are made aware of and supported to discuss the extent of which any possible changes to Black members contracts with their employers.
e. Black frontline staff will be adequately supported to respond to a more empowered public in their local communities.