Co-produSpecial feature August 2012 ways of workingction – together different

For Councillors from the LGiU The c’llr interview Louise Casey on troubled families

Profile Adult social care Community safety Gerald Pickles c’llr award Vernon- launches winner Jackson APPG report Tafheen Sharif

nside page 12 page 25 page 27 I

www.lgiu.org.uk Contents

Local Government Information Unit 22 Upper Woburn Place London WC1H OTB 020 7554 2800 8 [email protected]

Editor Alan Pickstock Deputy EditorJane Sankarayya Cover picture Louise Casey by Katie Collins/PA Wire Design Whatever Design Ltd 11 10 Print Headley Brothers Ltd

3 Forward look 9 Finance Special feature 27 Community Tony Ball of the importance Carol Grant – when the on co-production safety of brand money runs out Elizabeth Thompson Andy Sawford on not forcing 19 Co-production in health people to vote meets c’llr award winner 10 Food poverty and social care Tafheen Sharif 4 Chris Game’s Dave Wilcox on food banks 20 The key to service transformation 28 Young people – A-Z of local 11 Social services 21 Swindon’s joint venture how Nottingham and government LIFE Programme Kirklees are helping young Mark D’Arcy talks to Simon people not in employment, Reality Check – Dave Wilcox Danczuk about the Rochdale education or training ‘grooming’ case 22 Citizen leaders seize the day 5 LGiU Update 30 Welcome to Andy Sawford on the LGiU’s 13 Profile 23 Looking for a new partnership model activity Mark Smulian meets the the LGiU LGA’s Lib Dem leader, Gerald the National Audit Office 24 Paul Corrigan on explains its work 6 Ten things you Vernon-Jackson how patients can need to know… save the NHS 14 Members’ views 31 Another View …City Deal Alan Waters thinks On the road with Chris Naylor 25 Adult social care contractors will trump 7 Media Watch spend more on prevention community enterprises David Brindle – managing the 15 Troubled media families 26 Localism 32 Postcard from Shona Johnstone updates San Francisco 8 Wheeler’s World Over three pages, Patrick on her award-winning Kelly talks to Louise Casey localism project Is the US falling in love with Heather Wheeler’s notebook and explains the new public transport? takes in adult social care and Troubled Families scheme the Queen’s Speech

2 www.lgiu.org.uk Forward look Executive notes

Andy Sawford is Chief Executive A brand of the LGiU Vote of confidence?

A recent report called ‘Next new council Localism’ argues that voting should be compulsory. Ten countries, including Australia and Brazil, Private companies know that good branding is enforce compulsory voting. The idea is superficially attractive. crucial. Tony Ball argues that councils need to It would end, at a stroke, concerns about falling turnout. It would also recognise the importance of having a defined render largely redundant the polling day activities of political parties, brand that tells a clear story to local people. with their ‘reading pads’ and door knocking to encourage their own supporters to vote. Politicians would n the new ‘age of austerity’ world of Basildon has an overall vision – to create arguably have greater legitimacy local government, it is more important opportunity which is underpinned by five because they would be elected with than ever that councils work closer specific promises that relate to everything the support of the majority of the and harder with their communities. we will do for the next four years: providing I electorate, rather than the majority And to do this, we need to be clear on value for money; getting the basics right; votes of the minority who actually what their vision and priorities are and the demanding better public services; supporting bother to go to the polls. promises they make to local people. the local economy, and transforming our This is not about a new logo, nor just borough. changing what we are doing. It is about being Basildon is in the heart of Essex, with a “At the LGiU we firmly clearer about what we are doing and giving rich past of welcoming people from the East more focus to our priorities. of London in search of a better life and better believe that there is a At this years LGA conference, Sir Merrick opportunities. That movement continues to Cockell warned that if something did not this day and Basildon continues to be a place relationship between the change, councils could be reduced to doing that offers opportunity. powers that councillors nothing by 2020 but collecting the rubbish We believe this is a strong story and and delivering adult social care. essential for a council such as ours that wants have and the level of To avoid this, we must prioritise, do it to work with local people and do the best for well and be very clear about it. We have its area. local participation.” to re-evaluate our relationship with local The first of our promises are to provide Advocates of compulsory voting people – to make sure we work with them. value for money and do what we call getting argue that it would improve the Basildon is building its brand inside out. the basics right. This is the day job and the quality and accountability of our What we say is our promise, and what we minimum we are expected to do as a good political system. In short, compulsory do impacts on what people say about us and local authority. voting is, for some, a silver bullet. therefore our brand. Our next promises are to support our I’m afraid though I think it’s a rusty Before developing a corporate vision and local economy, and use our influence to bullet, fired from a wonky barrel. brand, as elected members we need to ask see that better public services are deliv- Firstly the diagnosis is wrong: ourselves: What do we want to be ered in areas such as policing, healthcare low voter turnout is the symptom, known for? and particularly education. not the cause. At the LGIU we firmly We know we have massive Finally, we are committed to trans- believe that there is a relationship challenges – the tide of forming our borough by regenerating between the powers that councillors funding has gone and it is town centres, using our planning powers have and the level of local participa- unlikely to come back in to protect our greenbelt where possible, tion. For years councillors have been for sometime, if at all. while ensuring the right number of new frustrated by the limitations on their But we still need to find homes are built that people want to live in. ability to get things done. ways to deliver for These are not empty words. We have no A test of how effectively the our local areas. intention of breaking our promises and think government has implemented its creating opportunity and getting the basics localism agenda will be whether right will pass what we call in Basildon the councillors feel they are more pub test – we think our people will get it. powerful. I think this would not only By delivering on our promise local people encourage more people to vote, but will understand us and trust us – essential may lead to more people seeking if they are to work with us and support us in election to the council. That’s why I the tough times ahead. And a clear story gives would urge everyone to focus on the coherence, clarity and cuts through to every- cure for stronger local democracy, thing we say, so vital in a media rich age when rather than its symptoms. we are all competing just to be heard. And if I haven’t convinced you,

here is one more argument. In a democracy, surely it is our right not Tony Ball is leader of Basildon council to vote, just as much as it is our right to vote.

www.lgiu.org.uk 3 Reality check Councillors’ A to Z

Dave Wilcox is chair of the LGiU

Destination Europe

On a recent visit to a former war-torn corner of Eastern Europe, my sleep was disturbed by the buzz of mosquitoes. Like Spitfires and Messerschmitts they homed in on their target, leaving the surface of my skin dotted with strawberry red mounds. Next day, as I dabbed the After Bite pen on my ankles I recalled the adage, “the pen is mightier than the sword,” reflecting that in the EU today we reconcile our differences through the pen rather than investing in bombs, tanks and missiles to use on each other. Nowadays, 50 per cent of legislation impacting on local is for... authorities emanates from Europe. T To ensure that these laws are is the travel letter: transport, positive for UK plc, we have to form traffic – and trams. In the 1930s alliances across 27 other nations. there were tram services in most Tlarger towns and cities. Then, “Put bluntly, we had our within two decades, they were gone – referendum on Europe 40 years sorry, virtually gone. Now, pleasingly, they’re gradually ago. I voted against our joining. returning – mainly, of course, through light In retrospect I was wrong.” rail systems: Tyne and Wear, London Dock- lands, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham- In that context it’s important that Wolverhampton, Nottingham. But there’s horses are on the Rare Breeds Survival we know where others stand, so we also Southport’s recently modernised pier Trust’s endangered species list, which can ensure positive outcomes for our trams – not to be confused with Southend’s seems all wrong. It’s the misnamed communities. equally historic narrow-guage diesel carriages that should be heading for At an EU Parliamentary level, the railway – and, above all, the one neces- extinction, not the horses. decision of the UK Conservatives to sitating that ‘virtually’ qualification, the Talk of extinction brings us to toilets, and leave the EPP (the voice of modern one that never went away: the matchless Malvern’s Theatre of Small Convenience. conservatism in Europe) weakens Blackpool-Fleetwood Tramway. With 12 seats, it’s the world’s smallest their collective influence. Its reopening this Easter reminded me theatre, staging puppetry, Shakespeare, the Similarly, the strength of UKIP irresistibly of Flanders and Swann’s famous odd opera, and, as its name suggests, it did in the European Parliament means Transport of Delight: the big six-wheeler, indeed start life as a Victorian public lav. there’s an unpredictable and scarlet painted, London Transport, diesel- I once lived in a former toilet – the unreliable UK vote. engined, 97-horsepower omnibus. The 21st converted ladies’ facilities at a famous More troublesome for me are the Century ToD must surely be the 74-seater, National Trust property. So, while I’m recent whisperings suggesting the white and purple, 100-foot long by 9-foot immensely sympathetic to councils finding Labour party supports a referendum wide, step-free boarding, wheelchair friendly, themselves forced – preferably after on Europe. Not, I hasten to add on the overhead powered and quieter running, one- negotiating community toilet schemes and basis of some principal, but because forty horsepower Blackpool tram. costing various charging options – to cut it might split the coalition and (nod Less modern – indeed, almost medieval this almost entirely discretionary spending and wink) cause real problems for the – is our insistence on licensing taxis as by considering closures, I am conscious too Tories at the next general election. Hackney Carriages, confusing the public of the creative alternative uses to which Such posturing makes it difficult to and quite probably licensees themselves. these things can be put: Manchester’s form alliances that make a difference. The first HC licence was issued in 1662, but Temple of Convenience bar; the London Put bluntly, we had our referendum on the name dates from the horses available nightclub, Public Life; Kingston-upon- Europe 40 years ago. I voted against for hire in 14th Century London that were Thames’ Toilet Art Gallery; a Scarborough our joining. In retrospect I was wrong. bred and pastured on Hackney Marshes. seaside home. They won’t be your most Today, we are valued and valuable The term evolved to include any valuable council assets, but they’re not to members of the EU. Let’s add value passenger vehicle available for hire, and, be sniffed at – sorry! rather than casting it aside. Threats of as they become increasingly widely used, referenda and walk outs do nothing to ‘hackneyed’ came to mean commonplace, assist our cause. Better inside the tent and eventually outdated or antiquated. Chris Game is with the Institute of Local than outside. Which is what they are today. Hackney Government Studies.

4 www.lgiu.org.uk Update – August 2012

The LGiU aims to keep councillors and those working in local government informed about the latest developments, writes Andy Sawford.

Andy Sawford is LGiU chief executive What’s new

LGiU at Westminster LGiU policy development The LGiU held its annual summer reception at the Civil Society Innovation Network The LGiU Civil Society Innovation Network met in early July House of Commons on 16 July. It was attended for the first event in phase two of the Network. This event brought together local authority by more than 200 guests – council leaders and leaders and social enterprise leaders with Rt Hon Greg Clark MP to discuss the challenges cabinet members, MPs and representatives and opportunities in new models of service delivery partnerships between local authorities from the voluntary and community sector. The and social enterprise. In particular the group considered: how to deal with the mixed capacity event also launched the report of the All Party within the social enterprise sector, how to put people at the heart of the design and delivery Parliamentary Local Government Group for which of services, knowing what scale to commission at and how to measure successful outcomes. the LGiU provides support; Eric Pickles MP, For more information contact [email protected]. Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government made the keynote address. The report is the result of the APPG’s inquiry which focused on adult social care. Care Now and For LGiU reports the Future can be downloaded from the LGiU’s website www.lgiu.org.uk/publiations – and there’s Future Service Partnerships This summary of the recommendations on page 25. report from the LGiU, with support from John Laing, draws on new research carried out by the LGiU to examine current local authority partnership arrangements, identify LGiU events barriers to community investment at a local level and highlight innovative An LGiU team was at the LGA conference examples of current partnership in Birmingham. We were very pleased working. Report author Lauren Lucas to have the chance to meet up with writes about the research on page 23. many councillors from our member authorities, who came along to our Making Social Care Personal and Local: moving from mass production to co-production evening reception. LGiU policy manager Laura Wilkes is one of the editors and a contributor to this joint The LGiU’s summer seminar publication with Governance International. It brings together contributors from councils, programme ended in mid-July, with a health and social care providers, the voluntary sector and universities who look at the timely seminar on the Health and Social reality of health and social care co-production and the important difference it is making Care Act in. We will shortly be announcing to people’s lives and service delivery. We look at some of these themes in this issue’s our early autumn programme of seminars special feature starting on page 19. and learning and development events. Primary Justice Reloaded: a model for localised probation services The government In early July we ran a seminar is consulting on plans to reform the probation service and community sentencing. on neighbourhood agreements in This report from the LGiU and Unison discusses the consultations and the proposed Lancashire. The event was kindly hosted reforms and examines the case for an expanded role for local authorities, focusing on by Wyre Council. If your authority would be investments in primary justice. interested in hosting one of our seminars in return for some free places then please The new reports and other LGiU publications can be downloaded as PDFs from www. contact [email protected]. lgiu.org.uk/publications.

www.lgiu.org.uk 5 Ten things

Although each City Deal is different, they broadly cover key growth drivers such as transport and infrastructure, jobs and skills, economic development and business support, and funding and introduce considerable new innovations in approaches to local economic growth. The government has also made it clear that ‘Wave 1’ is only the start of this process. It will be deepened in the core cities and 10 extended to other areas during 2012-13 and beyond. things you you need to know about city deals 1 In the beginning… moving to elected mayor leadership, and the establishment of In September 2011 government accepted a Core Cities a Mayoral Development Corporation, the government agreed:- Group Amendment to the Localism Bill for the eight core • A reported £130m of funding. cities to be given greater freedoms to drive economic • A ‘Youth Contract’. growth in their areas • Mayoral oversight of HCA assets. Unlocking growth 2 Manchester’s big deal In December 2011 the government announced ‘new city 7 deals’ in its publication ‘Unlocking growth in cities ’. This On 20 March 2012, the government announced a much argued the case that cities – with 74 per cent of population larger deal with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and 78 per cent of jobs – were the places where national (GMCA), “with the full support of the LEP”. The deal growth would be focused, and that this required dynamic includes: city leadership teams taking decisive action. • Establishment of a £1.2bn Infrastructure Fund with an ‘Earn Back’ mechanism of up to £30m pa over 30 years. 3 Powers and flexibilities • A Business Growth Hub – with £4.4m transitional govern- The government offered the core cities a ‘deal’. They ment funding. set out a menu of powers, flexibilities and resources on • A City Apprenticeship and Skills Hub delivering 6000 new which they would be prepared to empower cities to lead:- apprentices to SMEs over two years. • Freedoms to invest in growth – including a single capital pot, the prospect of Tax Increment Financing 8 Six more deals (TIF) schemes, business rate discount and pooled Deals with the remaining six ‘Wave 1’ cities and an exten- business rate retention, and increased influence over sion of the Liverpool deal to the city region were announced future RGF and EU Structural Funds. on July 5 2012. With forecast benefits/results of 175,000 • Powers to drive critical infrastructure. jobs over 20 years and 37,000 new apprentices. The deals • Enabling cities to boost skills and jobs –including potentially cover a footprint of 14 million population, 6.2 increased influence over employment and skills. million jobs, around £250bn a year. GVA, and over 350,000 VAT-registered businesses. Accountability 4 Deals for all? This offer, however, was a two-way deal – requiring cities 9 to demonstrate “strong, visible and accountable leader- City deals are not just for cities. Greg Clark has made it ship and effective decision-making”, and taking on some clear that he is open to other councils putting forward a of the risk. case for similar deals involving extra powers and responsi- bilities and that each case will be considered on its merits. The early winners 5 The future The deal was offered in the first instance to Core Cities 10 – Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Understanding the city deal proposition – both its strengths Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield and their wider and areas for further development – is extremely important. LEP areas. It is probably not an overstatement to suggest that making a success of city deals may hold the key to the local govern- ment sector achieving both enhanced devolution and to Liverpool leads the way Jonathan Carr-West is 6 increasing local growth in our cities and communities over a director at the LGiU. On February 7 2012, government announced the first city this parliament and in the longer term. Based on a briefing deal – with Liverpool City Council. In return for Liverpool by David Marlow.

6 www.lgiu.org.uk Media watch

Few council leaders get a full-page profile in the Guardian, certainly not a favourable Managing one. But Jim McMahon had little chance to bask in the glory. For his achievement was overshadowed by a shocking event the that meant that on the very day the profile appeared, he featured in many other media in much less happy circumstances. media David Brindle reports. you need to know about city deals cMahon is the 31-year- it was difficult because they were would say that the council is far more just how extensive the damage had old leader of Oldham hungry for news and for immediate adept at dealing with journalists in an been. But the police would have borough council. The responses. In a fast-moving situa- informal way, whereas the police are none of it.” Mprofile discussed his tion like that, it’s hard to give accu- very, very official,” says McMahon. The explosion, and its aftermath, meteoric rise, his unconventional rate information that is not going to “Their priority was to secure the site; also tested the council’s good rela- leadership style and – his plans for be out of date within an hour.” ours was to tell people what was tions with the Oldham Chronicle, the radical devolution of the authority’s There were tensions. The council going on.” local daily. The authority set up a decision-making and budget. The had set up a rest centre for families One incident sums up what distress fund for people affected by event, which occurred after the forced to leave their homes – as he calls this “disconnect”. The the incident, and within two weeks it profile had gone to press, was the many as 175 houses were evacuated council had arranged for a Greater stood at more than £250,000. Almost explosion in the village of Shaw, part initially – and had declared it out of Manchester Radio reporter to be inevitably, people claimed they were of the borough, which killed a two- bounds to the media. “Some people escorted into the inner cordon not getting a rightful share and the year-old boy and caused widespread were in their pyjamas,” McMahon the day after the explosion, to paper reported their complaints. damage to local housing. explains. Most journalists accepted give a vivid account of the scale of McMahon, who says this was based Within an hour of the explo- the restriction, if reluctantly, but destruction. McMahon had himself on a misunderstanding, swiftly sion, the first TV trucks arrived. there were at least two instances of been inside the cordon the night arranged a meeting to clear the air. Many national journalists were to photographers being caught trying before. But as soon as the police He values the Chronicle highly, stay for three days, with regional to sneak in. learned of the plan, it was vetoed. ensuring it has routine early access television remaining even longer. More seriously, and on the theme “We wanted people to be under embargo to all key council Media interest continued for weeks of working together that runs through informed and to get the story out,” documents. “It’s fair to say it’s not afterwards. this issue of c’llr, the experience says McMahon. “It was hard to get universally liked by council offi- “My overriding image of the media highlighted significant differences across why so many people had cials,” he says. “But from my point is that they were very respectful and between the council and the police been forced out of their properties of view, and that of the press office, helpful,” says McMahon. “Obviously in terms of media management. “I if you weren’t able to demonstrate a local daily paper is invaluable in the getting the message out.” Having said that, McMahon is an enthusiastic adopter of new media. He blogs weekly and has introduced live streaming of full council meet-

H arry V enning ings, the last one watched by some 400 people. This has also enabled citizens to post questions live on Twitter and Facebook, relayed on to a large screen in the council chamber. At the April meeting, there were 36 questions – more than the total received under the old system (in writing and vetted by the borough solicitor) over the previous five years. “The criticism is that the ques- tions are about quite localised issues, such as: ‘I reported a pothole in my street and it hasn’t been repaired’,” says McMahon. “The issue for us is not the pothole, but the fact that it was reported but not sorted out.”

David Brindle is public services editor for the Guardian

www.lgiu.org.uk 7 Parliament

Heather Wheeler, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Local Government Group tells us what’s been catching her imagination in Parliament and her constituency over the last couple of months.

Wheeler’s World

There’s been good news for a couple Iain Duncan Smith, of companies in my constituency Secretary of State In the last issue I wrote about for the Department my concerns about the imposi- of Work and tion of VAT tax on static homes/ Pensions, came to caravans. Two local companies, my constituency to Mercia Marina, a leisure venue and see the Burton and Truma, maker of fittings for static South Derbyshire and other caravans, told me that 20 College’s innovative ‘Learn it Build it, per cent of their business could be Live it’ project. wiped out overnight, should the tax come into force. So it is excellent news that the Chancellor looked again at the cost benefit analysis that I and others argued showed the extra income would come at the cost of jobs and reduced the rate to five per cent. The local companies are over the moon!

And there was good news for local government with the decision last week to freeze fuel duty until the end of the year. CO2 pumping diesel engines. East been sold by high street banks such I think the FSA ruling that banks The government inherited a Midlands MPs have been pressing as NatWest, Lloyds TSB and RBS must cancel these agreements and series of Fuel Duty rises from the ministers for this decision. Elec- without fully explaining that they make sure that where they have last Labour government planned trification will improve journey come with costly break clauses. been mis-sold, companies are for last year and this year, which times and make the journey much The high level of these break costs compensated, is the best thing the it has now scrapped or delayed. greener. And, of course, it could have locked businesses into the regulator has done since I’ve been The Chancellor has now cancelled offer a boost to Bombardier, a major deal which have been clearly detri- in Parliament. Labour’s 3p per litre rise planned employer for my constituents, who mental to their business. for August this year. should be in line for any contract to During the debate I highlighted Iain Duncan Smith came to my It’s not just is good news for motor- convert the locomotives. how these agreements have affected constituency to see Burton and South ists, families and businesses coping We have the slowest speeds to several businesses in South Derby- Derbyshire Colleges innovative with tight finances, it will be a massive and from London of any inter-city shire, including a firm who entered Learn it, Build it, Live it project. help to local government which was route. Nottingham and Sheffield into an interest swap agreement This aims to enable apprentices to facing a substantial increase in fuel are the last two of the eight ‘core back in 2007, but when interest rates become qualified as a multi skilled bills. That means that although the cities’ with no electrified line in fell in 2009 he was told he couldn’t tradesperson by being part of the exchequer may miss out on around place or promised. The project will break the agreement unless he paid building process and becoming £550 million, there’s a bit more money be good for businesses and our a break cost which totalled 19.4 per formally qualified through the in people’s pockets and a bit of relief regional economies. cent of his original loan value. He college. Another benefit of the for hard pressed councils. was also informed that even if he project is, on completion they will Local businesses will benefit sold his property to repay the loan move into one of the properties I’m delighted to see that the from the FSA’s ruling on the in full, the IRSA would still exist as with a percentage of the house government has given the go-ahead scandal of the interest rate swap the interest rate swap agreement value attributed to the apprentice for the electrification of the East agreements. was a separate product to the loan who has worked on the scheme. Midlands railway line. Interest rate swap agreements he originally received and that this We can now look forward to the were designed to reduce busi- agreement would last for ten years, day when trains from London to nesses vulnerability to interest rate even though the loan was for five Heather Wheeler is MP for South Sheffield are no longer pulled by fluctuations. However, they have years. Derbyshire

8 www.lgiu.org.uk Finance

Should we be preparing for the day when councils can’t provide any services other than those for children and vulnerable adults? Carol Grant says that What a recent absence of traffic wardens showed the value of even unloved services. happens when the money runs out?

s Joni Mitchell once So should councils sang “you don’t know forget all the cuddly what you’ve got till it’s positive publicity about The ‘Graph of Doom’ Agone”. The song was Big wellbeing and enabling Yellow Taxi and if you’d been driv- in favour of a more 300 ing one in Aberystwyth over the last dystopian picture of year, you could have parked it any- what life would be where you liked. The town became like without them? the motorists’ favourite spot when Towns where traffic is 225 Dyfed-Powys Police laid off its traf- gridlocked, people roll fic wardens in June 2011, a year be- around vomiting from fore a council-run service was due food poisoning from to start. unregulated establish- 150 It sounds like a Jeremy Clarkson ments, rubbish piles up dream come true, yet it soon deteri- in the street? orated into chaos with traffic jams, For a really bleak road rage, and gridlock. A survey version of the future of 75 by car park operator NCP dubbed public services, look no Aberystwyth as the worst town in further than California. Britain to find a parking space. In July, San Bernardino When the wardens returned, became the third 0 2010/11 2012/13 2014/15 2016/17 2018/19 2020/21 2022/23 2024/25 they were no reports of residents Californian city, after kissing them, but most people Stockton and Mammoth Adults Social care Children’s Services Council’s predicted budget were very glad to see them back. A Lakes, to file for bank- representative from the Chamber ruptcy protection. The of Commerce said: “Most people reasons are complex but slide which shows that demographic Annual Fiscal Sustainability Report, will welcome the fact that order is unemployment, falling tax revenues, change (increases in the number of published in July. This sets out how restored. You don’t realise the value problems in the mortgage market children and vulnerable older people) the rising cost of health and social of things until they’re gone.” and financial mismanagement have will soak up all council funding within care for an ageing population will all been issues. 15 years. As the council’s cabinet put the public finances on an unsus- “It sounds like a Jeremy In the past three years, member of resources Gareth Thomas tainable path without further tax before going bankrupt, said in a video posted on You Tube rises or spending cuts elsewhere. Clarkson dream come true, Stockton dealt with its last year, “that means no libraries, no Again, these projections can’t be financial deficit by cutting rubbish collection, no street cleaning.” viewed too simplistically, as huge yet it soon deteriorated a quarter of the city’s The slide was originally produced savings are being made from the police officers, a third of as part of Barnet’s budget consulta- overhaul of public sector pensions into chaos with traffic jams, fire fighters and 40 per tion with residents, but is now doing for example. But it’s clear that the cent of other employees, the rounds. It was shown at the LGA difficult conversation with citizens, road rage, and gridlock” as well as slashing wages Conference this year and is apparently currently delivered in muted tones, and benefits. No wonder regularly used by Sir Bob Kerslake, needs to get a lot louder. No council Often the absence of a service Stockton had the dubious distinc- permanent secretary at the Depart- likes to shout about what it’s not is highlighted by a strike. Then the tion of being rated America’s Most ment for Communities and Local doing, but the dystopian financial issue gets complicated by questions Miserable City in a Forbes Maga- Government and head of the civil reality is coming closer every day. of relative value – pay, pensions, zine list in 2010. Its unemployment service. You can see the Barnet video terms and conditions. It’s unusual and violent crime rates are now Some people have questioned at:http://www.youtube.com/ to get such a pure illustration, as amongst the highest in America. the assumptions behind the graph watch?v=Ziew3V3nMSI sept 2011 in Aberystwyth, of what happens One UK authority is now sending but there’s no denying that it when you remove an important out some stark messages about the focuses the mind wonderfully. Its public service for a period and then choices facing councils. Barnet Coun- message was also confirmed by Carol Grant is a director of restore it. cil’s Graph of Doom is a Powerpoint the Office of Budget Responsibility’s Grant Riches

www.lgiu.org.uk 9 Food poverty

Dave Wilcox was sceptical about the need for a food bank, but his councillor caseload made the case and now this new A community community service is safety net seeing increasing demand.

ecently, a constituent told loses between £2.50 me that his bank had been and £5.00, depending closed. He’d been with on the size of the Rthe bank for 15 years. cheque. Having shattered both his heels, When I was first he’d gone to the bank to explain asked to consider that his benefits were delayed. He the establishment asked them to defer a few standing of a food bank in orders to avoid an overdraft. the valley of 30,000 The cashier told him that he people for which I’m could have purchased income a council member, insurance. If he’d done so he I had doubts about wouldn’t face the difficulties he its viability and its was now experiencing. necessity. But this He told her he wasn’t inter- constituent’s case ested, but the bank was persistent was one of several and suggested they’d find out that convinced me how much it would cost to have that there’s a need insurance. He nodded his agree- for a safety net in ment although he told me he communities where had no intention of taking out the more and more insurance. people are operating Following the discussion, his close to the edge. Bare Necessities Glossopdale food bank members. bank contacted him to say that they We know about were closing his account because the squeezed middle of his bad debt record. and people who’ve had to tighten days for their kids we also have charitable status. We’re part of a He admitted that he has a poor their belts, but we are increas- local libraries doing a great job. network of 12 food banks which are credit history, but that he wasn’t ingly finding that there are The PCT is engaged and there are now operating in Derbyshire alone. seeking any credit from the bank, people, who faced with paying the discussions under way with the According to the national voice and indeed in all his 15 years gas bill, repairing the fridge or police. for food banks the Trussel Trust, with them, he had never been shopping for food, are sacrificing Both the County Council and “In 2011-12 foodbanks fed 128,687 overdrawn. the latter. the Borough Council are on board people nationwide, 100% more as is the local Co-op and other than the previous year. Rising smaller shops. The volunteer costs of food and fuel combined “We are increasingly finding that there are bureau has helped identify people with static income, high unemploy- able to assist with the collection ment and changes to benefits are people who, faced with paying the gas and distribution of food and local causing more and more people to churches and the local press have come to foodbanks for help.” bill, repairing the fridge or shopping for been helpful too. With significant changes to Basically, the food bank offers benefits now planned, Bare Neces- food, are sacrificing the latter” families and individuals food to last sities Glossopdale is anticipating three days and will make a similar rising demand over the next couple This made no difference to the Fortunately, lots of volunteers offer no more than three times. of years, so sustainability is crucial. bank, which has now closed the who want to help those in less Once referred, recipients are given Once started, there’s no turning off account. As a consequence, if fortunate circumstances than some help with signposting to the tap. someone pays him by cheque in themselves have come forward. other sources of help. http://www.trusselltrust.org/ future, his only source of conver- Additionally plenty of places in We’ve adopted a name - Bare foodbank-projects sion into cash is a money lender the valley have offered to house Necessities Glossopdale - and or payday loan operator. As soon donation bins. Together with local are in the process of establishing as he hands the cheque over he schools, who’ve run no-uniform a constitution and applying for Dave Wilcox is chair of the LGiU

10 www.lgiu.org.uk Social services

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has been prominent in making sure his local council, other agencies and the government pay proper attention to the street grooming of No more young girls. Mark D’Arcy talked to him. excuses

n the wake of a horrific The phenomenon of young Here Danczuk chooses his words sexual grooming and child girls, mostly white, being exploited carefully. He emphasises that “race abuse case, Rochdale is by older men, mostly of Pakistani is a factor but not the factor,” in Iunder the microscope – both descent, is not new to Danczuk. He the abuse, but insists that “street the community, and its Borough recalls a very similar case emerging grooming” can not be properly Council. The recent trial which saw in Blackburn with Darwen, when he understood if it is ignored. He fears nine men convicted of 21 counts was a councillor there, 15 years ago. local authorities and the local police of sexual abuse against young For him, one of the most surprising are nervous of addressing this,

girls, has raised serious questions facets of the Rochdale case is that because of fears that they could I mages A ssociation A rchive /P ress /PA J ohn S tilwell over the way social services dealt it was treated as something new undermine community cohesion with the victims. There have been and novel, for which the Police told in the process. “If you deny it, you The Borough Council is now questions to the Prime Minister, him they needed new Home Office can’t target the problem properly,” examining its handling of the case. a debate in the Commons and an guidance. he adds, “and the vacuum is filled by Danczuk has spoken to NHS staff, inquiry into child exploitation has In the Commons debate which the far right. The public knows race who were rebuffed when they tried been launched by the Home Affairs followed the criminal case, is part of the issue, so it’s risible to to get children who presented with Select Committee. Danczuk scorned the excuses that deny it. But you also have to look multiple sexual infections, taken As the aftershocks continue, the had been made by social services, at the nature of the night-time into care. In the Commons he MP for Rochdale, Simon Danczuk, and the underlying attitudes which, economy in poor areas and the atti- quoted some of the excuses offered has emerged as an important he says, were revealed. He said tudes inside some communities.” by Social Services for failing to do voice. He took part in the Commons the victims, some as young as 13, Danczuk quotes academic so – one girl was supposedly “too debate – seeing the Speaker wince were regarded as having made a research which found that young disruptive” and would “cost too at some of the details of the case – “lifestyle choice” to go into prosti- white girls in Rochdale often much.” The abuse continued and and he has held meetings with the tution – completely wrong-headed, encountered racial discrimination young lives were ruined, he says. key ministers involved. Now, he says he says. It was claimed that they and “lewd remarks” from Asian He pins his hope of an effective his job is to be a candid friend to his came from children’s homes and men. “I think there are a small group response on the new Chief Execu- local authority (both are Labour) as chaotic families, when neither was of men within the Pakistani-Asian tive, Jim Taylor, formerly Tameside’s it seeks to understand how it failed true of most of the victims. And community who have a very warped, Director of Children’s Services. for so long to respond to warning above all, he says, it is a mistake to unhealthy perspective in terms of A couple of other points signs about “street grooming.” ignore the racial dimension. women,” he said. emerge: first, Danzuk is concerned that local agencies don’t seem to realise that they already have extensive powers to share data in order to protect children. It is the culture of the local agencies, not the law, which needs to change, he believes.

/PA W irew P eter B yrne /PA And he is also worried about the practice of local councillors, often community leaders, writing letters to the courts to support defendants. This, he regards as quite inappropriate. “We’re talking about people accused of serious offences,” he says, “the community may expect the councillors to do this, but that has to change.”

Alias Yousaf, solicitor for Adil Khan, speaks to the media outside Liverpool Crown Court, where nine Asian Mark D’Arcy is a Parliamentary men were jailed for their part in a child sex ring which exploited vulnerable teenage girls. Correspondent with BBC News.

www.lgiu.org.uk 11 Profile

Gerald Vernon-Jackson presides over the Mark Smulian meets the man who country’s largest importer of bananas. That led Portsmouth City Council to trend- might seem a curious sideline for the leader bucking local election gains and of Portsmouth City Council, but it illustrates who leads the Local Government what he says has been an interventionist Association’s Liberal Democrat group tradition by the council under all parties. Gerald Vernon-Jackson

he tale of Councillor May’s local elections, Portsmouth V e r n o n - J a c k s o n ’ s Lib Dems actually gained three involvement with bananas seats, tightening their control on Tdates from 2008 when the council to 26, against 12 Tories he led the council’s purchase of and four for Labour. fruit importer Mainland Market Councillor Vernon-Jackson Deliveries, which was in danger says he cannot give colleagues of going under taking with it the elsewhere any magic formula for £1.9m of port fees the council bucking recent political trends. It receives each year for the handling is all, he says, a matter of getting of some 60 million bananas. the basics right. Buying the firm safeguarded “We’ve tried to do all the both 200 jobs and an income stream commonsense things a council that is part of the £7m a year the should, not act in an ideological council earns from owning its port, way, and people have, I think, seen enough to cushion some impact of we’ve done a good job,” he says. spending cuts. “I think we have been very driven Among Portsmouth’s other by the need to provide really good unusual possessions arising from services for local people, basic its interventionism is the M275 things like allotments – it’s impor- motorway, which the authority tant to people that they work well, built to link the city to the national – and unlike some councils we are network. opening libraries and extending This pragmatic tradition charac- opening hours at others.” terises perhaps Vernon-Jackson’s Getting the finances right “has councillor in Lymington, Hamp- It was then a meteoric rise. He Liberal Democrat administration. been hugely important”, he says shire, which was how he first was elected a councillor in 2003, While many of the party’s coun- and having been startled at his first became involved in politics, and within six months of moving to Port- cillors went down like ninepins in meeting as leader to be advised of he was first elected to New Forest smouth, and after 18 months was a £1.7m overspend in social care District Council in 1991. leader of a minority administration he put in place a mechanism where In 1995 he left directors and assistant directors for Newbury to work and their cabinet members meet for the seat’s then “Despite this lifelong the leader every month to warn Lib Dem MP David of potential overspends and agree Rendel, during background in the Lib Dems, how to stop them. “Now we do not which time he also do overspends at all.” became deputy there is little ideological He advises Lib Dems elsewhere leader of West simply to “keep to local issues Berkshire Council. about his administration” and enjoy going out and talking to After that, he people and recruiting interesting worked at his party’s London head- on the strength of his experience in people who want to stand for the quarters and was in charge of its West Berkshire. council; we’ve found just getting 2001 general election campaign in Despite this lifelong background the basics right has been enough”. southern England. in the Lib Dems, there is little ideo- Vernon-Jackson can find his “I decided to move to be nearer logical about his administration. advice sought, as he is a well- to my family but I wanted to live in For example, Portsmouth has known party figure from his earlier a city. I looked at Bournemouth but public question times and speaking career. decided I liked Portsmouth better rights at meetings but its neigh- His mother was a Liberal and moved here,” he recalls. bourhood forums are advisory and

12 www.lgiu.org.uk Profile

unlike many Lib Dem councils there has been no decentralisation. “I don’t think we need decentrali- sation because Portsmouth’s a very small densely populated place, its 15 square miles so everything sits pretty close,” he says. He describes Portsmouth as “mostly an island with 200,000 people on it”, many living in pre-1919 terraced housing built for dockyard jobs. Portsmouth developed to serve region does not do as well as the rest resources to do it themselves. thought across local government of Royal Navy and 17,000 jobs remain of the south east, and it is a really “Those that have opted out seem additional devolution, and Vernon- in the dockyards, though it also has good example of what councils can to pay more and have got less good Jackson has his eyes on the Depart- IBM’s UK headquarters, and is the do without the need to go through deals.” ment for Work and Pensions. centre of the UK satellite industry. local government reorganisation.” Recent years have seen the LGA “I think councils could take over “There are pockets of extreme Vernon-Jackson is also leader become somewhat more robust everything it does except pensions,” deprivation and traditionally low of his party’s Local Government with central government, a trend he he says. educational attainment,” he says. Association group. welcomes. “There is a greater feeling among “The city creates a great deal “It’s difficult to see how the “It’s got clearer on telling cabinet members that they accept of wealth but most of it drives out LGA could come under majority government when it is doing our case now that local government to the countryside every night and control again so it’s different from something stupid, and you always is the most efficient part of the the top paid people tend not to live a council, you have to work across get ministers in all parties doing public sector, and we could offer in Portsmouth. party lines,” he says. stupid things, but it has changed them financial savings because the from under the last government DWP is very lax and our systems are when the LGA always ‘cautiously better for controlling payments. “While many of the party’s councillors welcomed’ everything. “Also, we have a strong incentive to “I sometimes thought that if help people back into work because it went down like ninepins in May’s local ministers had said ’50 per cent of promotes local economic growth and councillors should be taken out and I think we would do that better, not elections, Portsmouth Lib Dems actually shot’ the LGA would have cautiously least as we are more approachable welcomed it in those days!” for people than is the DWP.” gained three seats” One such ‘stupid idea’ is, Might he one day find himself on he believes, police and crime the other side of the political fence, “It’s a reputational issue, because “It’s our main lobbying body commissioners. as part of central government? the public sees a densely populated and it’s been reasonably effective “They are bloody stupid, and we “Few people involved in politics city and people are always surprised at that, though there are ministers argued the Labour government out would not be interested if an once they get to know it.” who simply refuse to listen, Michael of them but unfortunately not this opportunity to stand for parliament One way in which the council Gove being an example.” one,” he says. came up, but it would be here in is trying to turn round the city’s Freedoms to tax second homes “It is going to be a very difficult Portsmouth as I’m settled and very economic fortunes is working with and empty properties, and the post for councils to interact with. happy here,” he says. 10 neighbouring authorities in reduction in audit fees, are among Either commissioners have no There’s already a Lib Dem Partnership for South Hampshire benefits to councils that he operational role, in which case parliamentary seat in Portsmouth. (PUSH). attributes to LGA lobbying. what is the point of them, or they Who knows? “PUSH works really well, and we He also values the LGA’s will have an operational role, in never had a vote despite political national pay bargaining. “I have which case I fear the police being differences,” he says. never thought of opting out because politicised.” Mark Smulian is a freelance “It focuses on growth because this councils would have to use a lot of The trend to localism has sparked journalist

www.lgiu.org.uk 13 Members’ views

Chris Naylor reports back on what he’s heard from LGiU members in the last couple of months.

e’re delighted to welcome free trial, Southampton wanted to meet to of the current government’s Localism agenda four new members since the refresh their membership, Taunton Deane – how far and how fast was it really moving, last issue of c’llr magazine decided to raise membership with their how best to stay abreast of how other councils Win June: Kent County Council, Cabinet and CEO. Following this we are also were responding. There was also uncertainty South Hams District Council, West Devon discussing membership and/or setting up – as with many other councils – about how Borough Council, and Wigan Council. This introductory trials with Blackpool, Coventry, the new Police and Crime Commissioner brings the total of new county members to Redbridge amongst others – we’re delighted post would work locally, and how to ensure three and of districts to ten this year. I hope that there’s continuing interest. the postholder would play constructively into either I or someone else from LGiU will be Visits in recent weeks have included East the existing context. With major armed forces getting to all these councils soon – we offer Hampshire, Kent County Council, LB Sutton, bases locally, Surrey Heath was pleased that quick pre-council updates for members, Surrey Heath. In Kent, colleagues were very it had developed an important new Community strategic meets with CEOs and Leaders or positive about our briefings, and particu- Covenant which the Royal British Legion had Heads of Policy/Member services, or more larly the ability to navigate from them to recognised for its forthcoming best practice general briefings for other colleagues. other key documents and indeed past LGiU guide. The LGiU Members’ Reception at the LGA briefings; East Hampshire was very positive conference provided a great opportunity about the briefings too and keen to see the for colleagues to meet up from across the implications for districts highlighted more. Chris Naylor is LGiU’s Partnerships Lead country: Blackpool discussed starting a In Surrey Heath we discussed the challenges [email protected]

September seminars from the LGiU

4 September Understanding Community Engagement

25 September Advice Services: using commissioning to get a good deal for your citizens and for your local authority

26 September Neighbourhood Agreements: building communities amidst austerity

27 September: Localism and Community Leadership

Details of forthcoming LGiU seminars can be found at www.lgiu.org.uk/events

14 www.lgiu.org.uk The c’llr interview

Louise Casey is the director general of the Troubled Families Unit. No-one is more anxious to ensure that the dreaded word ‘czar’ doesn’t appear anywhere on her title – the epithet has dogged her since her days Louise in charge of the Labour government’s Rough Sleepers Casey Unit. Patrick Kelly talked to her about her new role. “Despite her New Labour roots, successive Tory utspoken and occasionally Putting local brash, Louise Casey is g o v e r n m e n t ministers, right up to the PM, have been impressed by absolutely dedicated to in the driving Othe most disadvantaged seat also made her willingness to take on the Whitehall establishment sections of society. From deputy sense because director of Shelter through to Tony the scheme to get the right deal for the groups she works for.” Blair’s point woman on anti-social “had learned a behaviour, to commissioner for lot from the various family interven- the ‘Respect era’ (when the Blair with strings attached” will not be the victims of crime, Casey has tion programmes up and down the government set up a task force, result in more bureaucracy. “I will deliberately chosen to front the country,” says Casey. “The Troubled headed by Casey, to deal with anti- not be out with a clipboard checking unpopular causes and defend the Families Programme shows that the social behaviour and problematic that councils are doing this that or hardest cases in social policy. government can come behind issues young people and families). Many the other – that’s not the way it’s Despite her New Labour roots, that local authorities are already of the projects that came out of going to work.” successive Tory ministers, right worrying about.” that were given to local authorities Local authorities will be free to up to the PM, have been impressed She cites examples of local to run.” choose who co-ordinates their local by her willingness to take on the councils whose innovative work she Responding to the criticism projects and which families they Whitehall establishment to get admires – like Bradford’s Family that some parts of Whitehall have work with, she said. “We will start the right deal for the groups she Intervention Project or the Leeds City traditionally been less engaged with what is already known at local works for. Region’s decision to make NEETs a than others in getting behind cross level. I have consistently made it Indeed, it’s rare for councillors priority area. “But they are small scale departmental initiatives like this clear that not I am going to come to describe any civil servant as and not yet part of the mainstream. one, she says, “Look, the Depart- from on high and say these are the “inspirational” but that’s what a The intention of the programme is ment of Health has dug deep in its people you must work with. If you few said of her appearance at the that it becomes mainstream and the pockets – £60m is a lot of money want to use your own people, then LGA workshop to discuss the Trou- natural way of doing things.” and the DWP are allowing access that’s fine.” bled Families Programme. But Casey points out that the to information and records – that In return, she’s clear that she concept of targeting the most shows they are behind this.” sees local government is a “key troubled families is not a new one. And she is adamant that govern- Patrick Kelly is a freelance partner” in making a success of “In a sense this all goes back to ment backing, though it does “come journalist the Troubled Families Programme. “But not only that, local authorities have a strong leadership role in this initiative and it was strategic deci- sion to make them so,” she says. She acknowledges that there were some behind the scenes battles that preceded the announcement of the initiative and the £448m worth of funding that went with it. “I was under pressure from various places. Lots of charities were saying ‘Why didn’t I make this into a big charity programme with them at the core?’ We also decided I mages A ssociation A rchive /P ress C hris I son /PA that councils were to get most of the money upfront – £448m is a lot of money and local authorities can get most of it – 80 per cent. It took Louise Casey with former Home Secretary some persuading in Whitehall to Charles Clarke, when she was head of the Labour get that.” government’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit,

www.lgiu.org.uk 15 Troubled families

Patrick Kelly explains the government’s new Troubled Families programme and talks to some of the councils who Looking have been leading the way. for trouble?

any councillors will They might welcome the fact that Councillor Andrew Harper, He admits that the council be familiar with the the Troubled Families Programme cabinet member for education, had to take the lead with other families that everyone puts local authorities in a position children and families at Barnet, partners and as cabinet member, Mcomplains about – kids of “strong leadership”, according said the secondment should he chairs the panel overseeing the out of control, always fighting with to the programme’s director provide “reassurance” for other IFF. “We decided not to wait for all neighbours, in trouble with the general Louise Casey. And they authorities that “the experi- the details to be worked out – it law, in massive rent arrears, out might also be pleased to hear that ence and perspective from local was too good an idea so we have of work and seemingly out of reach the “payment by results” scheme authorities” was part of the got to crack on with it.” of any of the services designed to DCCLG thinking. There is still a suggestion that help them. He adds, some partner agencies, although Variously described as “trou- “Having a single individual with “Although the willing to support family interven- bled” “at risk” “with complex programme is tion schemes in principle, have needs” or simply “chaotic”, these the specific task of dealing still relatively been less willing to align their families have soaked up an enor- new, the results budgets to cover the costs of such mous amount of time, effort and with each family allows them in Barnet are schemes. Even the £448m from public funds and yet their problems tangible.” Barnet central coffers will cover only 40 seem as intractable as ever. Official to build up trust rather than has invested £1m per cent of costs, and councils will figures suggest they number about in a three year still have to agree to fund the other 120,000 across the country and cost having to go in lots of different Intensive Family 60 per cent themselves. the taxpayer about £9bn every year Focus (IFF) Some local government critics as they bounce between health directions to seek help” p r o g r a m m e . point to the savings made : every services, police, courts, social After a year, 12 A&E attendance avoided saves services and schools. promises them up to £4,000 per children from the initial cohort of around £52; a domestic violence The issue shot to the top of the family – 80 per cent of which will 18 families are no longer under incident costs £18,730; every child agenda after the riots in London be paid upfront as an ‘attachment child protection orders while 12 who doesn’t enter care saves and some other cities last summer. fee’. They will no doubt also be adults are back into work and £43,500; every anti-social behaviour As poor parenting became a culprit encouraged by the words of praise there’s been a reduction in anti- incident costs up to £630 etc. in the disturbances, the Prime for existing “family intervention” social behaviour amongst 13 of Councillor Nickie Aiken, West- Minister spoke of his ambition to programmes, some of which the families. So far the council minster’s cabinet member for chil- turn around the lives of the 120,000 are already being funded out of has recruited 13 IFF workers dren, young people and community most “troubled families” and community budgets, (the experi- and has referred 50 families protection, says that her council’s appointed Louise Casey to head ment which is aimed at pooling with complex needs onto the Family Recovery Programme, now up a special Troubled Families the budgets of various local programme. in its fourth year, saves nearly £3 for Team within the Department of services in order to target their Councillor Harper said that every £1 invested but typically, local Communities and Local Govern- work better). The DCLG has cited having a single individual with authorities get only 42 per cent of ment (DCLG). Westminster, Barnet and Black- the specific task of dealing with that saving back, the other savings So how should councillors react burn with Darwen as exemplars of each family allows them to build accrue to government departments to the news that the government the turnarounds they expect from up trust rather than having to go and the NHS. The new government wants to “get a grip” on these trou- highly targeted interventions with in lots of different directions to initiative will go some way to recog- bled families and are putting £448m problem families. Indeed, Barnet’s seek help. “It’s expensive initially nise local government’s financial of Whitehall money into a scheme director of childrens’ services, but we are making major savings. contribution, she says, but she designed to get all the agen- Robert McCulloch Graham, has It’s reducing costs of social care remains critical of some other agen- cies dealing with them, from the been seconded to the DCLG’s which means that money can be cies unwillingness to put the real Department for Work and Pensions Troubled Families Unit to oversee used to help other families who weight behind this type of scheme. to the NHS? the programme. are in real difficulties.” “The NHS is a particular problem

16 www.lgiu.org.uk Troubled families /PA W ire I an W est /PA

Prime Minister David Cameron talks to Ged Fitzgerald chief executive of Liverpool City Council and Louise Casey, during a reception at 10 Downing Street in London, following an announcement the next steps being taken to help troubled families turn their lives around.

even now – as neither the existing Councillor Maureen Bates, problems. Those problems are even structures nor the GP commis- executive member for children and more severe than they were even sioning bodies seem to know who families at Blackburn with Darwen, just 18 months ago.” This extra help will take responsibility for this area.” says the council’s Think Family would push savings up to £140,000 There are other criticisms. project has been taking a thera- per family per year. Academics have suggested that the peutic approach to a group of 40 But she also wants the families DCLG figure of 120,000 is one of those families in the “troubled” category. themselves to determine what factoids that sounds plausible but is “One of the most important things changes need to be made and decide based on a misreading of the back- we have identified is the impor- where the money should be spent, so tance of early intervention – when children are very young. While “Westminster’s we welcome the government’s “Academics have suggested that the programme, there is a concern Family Recovery that some of the outcomes they are figure of 120,000 is based on a looking at – reduction in exclusions, Programme saves ASBOS etc – are skewed towards misreading of the background research” families with older children.” nearly £3 for every In Norfolk, which has the ninth they should be involved in designing, highest number of troubled families, or redesigning, the services. £1 invested” programme co-ordinator Nicky The ultimate aim will be to create Dawson admits that the recession a network of services that will not ground research on which it is based, will make the task harder. Although only help the 1,700 families linked to conflating families experiencing it has five existing Family Interven- this programme but will also ensure multiple disadvantage and families tion Projects (FIP), which have led to the support and early intervention that cause trouble. The former figure an average annual saving of £88,480 needed in future. “Once we have could be much higher. Childrens’ per family, they feel the extra helped those 1,700 families, we don’t charities have predicted that welfare government cash will be needed to want more to come through and fill cuts are driving more families into address new levels of crisis expe- that gap,” said Dawson. the poorest categories. Their analysis rienced by the poorest and most shows that families with six or more vulnerable families. disadvantages, carry the biggest Dawson said: “People are coming Patrick Kelly is a freelance burden of the budget cuts. in with even more substantial journalist

www.lgiu.org.uk 17 LeaRning and Development In-house training opportunities for councillors and officers from the LGiU

The LGiU has wide experience in delivering training to both councillors and officers. We can bring that experience to you and provide in-house training for one local authority or a small number of neighbouring councils.

For many councils this is a cost effective way of enabling many more councillors and employees to benefit from learning and development opportunities than if they were to send delegates to workshops and semi- nars. Available programmes include:

• An introduction to local government finance • Participatory appraisal • Neighbourhood Agreements • An introduction to the Localism Act • Speed reading and retention • Chairing skills • Facilitation skills • Community engagement

Each of these programmes can be delivered over a day, or in many cases, elements of the programmes can be combined to deliver a more bespoke training package over one or more days.

To discuss your council’s particular requirements please contact the LGiU’s learning and development manager, Alan Waters: alan.waters@

lgiu.org.uk 07825 745620.

Special F Co-production eature Citizen-centred transformation

The LGiU and Governance International have published a book on co-production. It considers co-production in the context of the changes we are experiencing. This special feature looks at different aspects of this way of delivering services. Andy Sawford and Laura Wilkes set the scene by looking at co- production in health and social care.

hree powerful forces and the state, with an emphasis on Taking co-production forward as are coming together to co-production. Whether it’s through an approach to service delivery will fundamentally change personalisation approaches, such require local authorities – and princi- Thow public services are as personal budgets, ‘nudging’ or pally councillors – to work differently. provided in the UK. The first is perhaps the ‘big society’ the idea We know that many are already doing the drive towards ‘localism’ to is that service users should be this. Councillors are fundamental to devolve power and decision making enabled to take on a greater role in the process of co-production and can from central government to local shaping their own services. Some play a vital role in taking it forward. Councillors, come with a deep government and communities. The will say these ideas are not new, More and more, councillors are understanding of their own patch, second is the fiscal context and the but what is noticeable in the current becoming community facilitators and so they have a vital role in making unprecedented scale and pace of debate is the extent to which the leaders of place; people who have the sure that the opportunities available public sector funding reductions. emphasis is shifting from having a access and ability to bring together to communities for co-production The third is the wider and longer greater say to taking a greater role. diverse sections of their communi- are suitable; activities that they want term changes in our society, such Co-production is the word many ties to understand priorities and to get involved in and care about as demographic, technological and are using to describe this new concerns. Councillors are the direct locally, and at times and places that scientific change, coupled with relationship, which involves service link between the local authority and are accessible. Councillors are also people’s changing expectations. users and communities giving their community and as such are ideally in an ideal position to facilitate a Public service providers, time and skills in a new collabora- placed to coordinate and facilitate two-way communication between including local authorities, know tive relationship with public service opportunities for communities to councils and communities. Unless that they must find significant providers. Our studies show that have meaningful involvement in the communities and service users know savings in current expenditure, and co-production can encourage inno- process of co-production. what their options are to get involved as they look down There are a series in co-production, including examples the road, they can of tools available to of where involvement has led to see cost pressures “there is much talk of different communities to facili- something worthwhile, it may be and demands are tate co-production difficult for people to fully understand rising – particularly approaches, from the ‘commissioning which councillors the opportunities that involvement in when it comes to can encourage the co-production may bring. providing social care council’ to the ‘co-operative council’, use of. Powers that To find out more about and health related are now on-stream co-production and what it means services. Shaping a or even the ‘e-bay council’” through the Localism for councillors and your commu- positive future, in a Act provide many of nities, take a look at the book. challenging context, involves new vation, ease pressure on the public these, such as: the General Power ‘Making Health and Social Care ways of working, effective partner- purse and enable citizens and service of Competence, Community Right to Personal and Local: Moving from ships, and engaged communities. users to take greater responsibility Challenge and Community Right to Mass Production to Co-production’ In UK local government there is for their own lives. Local authorities Bid. Councillors can also influence is available to download free from much talk of different approaches, have a huge opportunity to transform the commissioning process so that the LGiU website. from the ‘commissioning council’ to their services – with citizens at the it considers social value, and push the ‘co-operative council’, or even centre as real innovation can come adopting a community budgeting the ‘e-bay council’. These different directly from the service user, who approach as a way to involve commu- Andy Sawford is LGiU chief models and approaches to service has the in depth knowledge of what nities, provide opportunities for them executive. Laura Wilkes is an LGiU delivery all assume the need for a their requirements are and the best to participate and shape the priorities policy manager new relationship between citizens way to meet them. that are set.

www.lgiu.org.uk 19 Special Feature Co-production

In the light of current financial austerity and demographic changes, co-production is no longer just A transformation a good idea – it has become a necessity say Elke Loeffler and strategy for Frankie Hine-Hughes. councils

his applies in particular to health and social • Co-delivering public services care but it is also true in other local services – identifying who is willing to such as community safety and environment. do what and how, for example TAs the case studies in the new book from through capability assess- Governance International and LGiU demonstrate, ments (as we are currently co-production is already recognised as an important piloting with Walsall Council) element in the transformation of councils. and community asset surveys. However, the picture is still patchy. The panel • Co-assessing public debate at our recent book launch event at LGiU in services – training citizens to London showed that involving service users and carry out service inspections communities in public services is still sporadic rather and scrutiny, often through than standard. Why is this? One of the key barriers the use of social media or to systematic co-production, as the debate high- online ratings. lighted, continues to be the lack of a culture which prioritises giving guidance and support to citizens as co-producers of services. “Involving service users Collaborative ways of working, Of course, not all citizens are ready to co-produce based on mutual respect, power- – and not all staff know how to unlock the potential in sharing and a focus on outcomes, services and citizens. So what needs to be done in prac- and communities in public requires courage and risk-taking. tice to help councils to tap into the strengths, assets Many councils are now at the stage and resources of service users and communities? services is still sporadic where they have recognised this. Governance International, a social enterprise based But that is not enough. To make the in Birmingham, has been working on these issues rather than standard” transformation real, investment in for more than five years with councils in the UK and training and change management Europe. We have developed a practical transforma- The Co-Production Star gives a clear visual portrayal is necessary. tion approach for public services. of these four ‘Cos’ of co-production. In any case, what are the alter- natives? If councils do not start There are lots of different ways of The inner ring of the Governance International now on the path of co-production, involving users and communities in Co-Production Star highlights the changes their only way to tackle the current public services. They include: that a council needs to make in order to roll financial pressures will be signifi- out co-production in public services. It cant cuts to local services. Then • Co-commissioning public outlines a five step change manage- they will find that service users services – shifting the ment process, including: and citizens REALLY want to get focus from services that involved – but usually in a negative, councils think people • Step 1: Map existing forms of destructive way. need to outcomes collaboration with users and We said we had a five step that local people communities model towards co-production of themselves • Step 2: Focus new public services and outcomes – but believe to be forms of collaboration actually this was not quite the priorities, for on ‘quick-wins’ whole truth. There is a sixth step, example through probably most important of all – neighbourhood • Step 3: People matter – just start! budgeting. work with those who know and who care • Co-designing public • Step 4: Market the service transfor- Elke Loeffler is CEO and Frankie services – using the customer mation through incentives and nudges Hine-Hughes is project manager, journey approach to look at how Governance International the service process can be improved • Step 5: Grow your innovations in from the user’s point of view. your council

20 www.lgiu.org.uk Special Feature Co-production

The LIFE Programme in Swindon has run for three years, and is a joint venture between Swindon public sector partners A better and Participle, a social enterprise. family LIFE Swindon’s leader, Rod Bluh explains.

he programme aims to adopt a particular professional transform the lives of stance and that their professional families with complex language often alienated families needs so that life chances T • they were in the role of rescuing of family members increase. These families and not empowering families demonstrate up to ten or more risk indicators, including: children on • there was a lack of trust, honesty, child protection plans, children in need transparency (supported by a social worker), poor achievement at school, exclusions, poor attendance, young offenders, looked after The new approach children, domestic violence, parental Twelve families were invited by mental health, special educational Swindon partners (out of 400 needs/disability, anti social behaviour identified families) to join the LIFE and substance misuse. Programme. It focused on: The aim was co-creation of a new way of working based on the values of • building something radically compassion, creating independence and different that would produce empowerment, using the expertise of outcomes wanted by families, families directly affected in designing a their neighbours and the wider new way of working, led by them. community To understand the reality of the lives • providing greater chances for long of the families, a team from Participle term sustainable outcomes in rented a council house in Swindon for six health, education, future prospects months and lived alongside them. and stability for families

The initial learning was that families in • finding a way of using government their relationship with current services resources as an investment in felt: people’s lives, rather than as a risk management system. • oppressed • as if they were treated as the “child” The hallmarks of the new way of Outcomes, performance indicators, costs and savings in the relationship working are: building deeper relation- • isolated ships and collaborating in setting As of July 2011 the data, based on 55 family members, shows: • exhausted with fighting the system priorities and shaping solutions. • 73% improvement in mental health conditions for those In 2010, £760,000 was notionally reporting this as a risk factor • that there is no safe space to ask for saved across the public sector, of help • 86% of children where school attendance was an issue which £485,000 represented expected reported improvements • that there was a lack of trust, costs which were prevented. The main honesty, and transparency • 70% of children re-engaged with education where this was an financial benefits of the LIFE team issue • hopeless, believing that change is approach will accrue over the longer • 69% adults are seeking/in employment or training not possible term as families cease to represent significant financial burdens on public • 86% of families have a rent payment plan in place where this Professionals felt: sector agencies. had been an issue • they were only working to the agen- LIFE, together with the learning • 92% of family members building positive relationships cies’ agendas and not the families’ from integration of services and between themselves agendas Family Nurse Partnership has acted • 80% reduction in police call outs as a catalyst for a fundamental shift in • they were forced by the system to • 10 children not taken into care the way public services are delivered act like a parent holding power and in Swindon. • 13 children no longer have a child protection plan control • 6 eviction orders were stopped • actions they took were based on • 2 individuals are seeking help for drug and alcohol abuse enforcement Rod Bluh is Leader of Swindon Data to July 2012 was still being collated and analysed as this article went to press. • they were forced by the system to Borough Council

www.lgiu.org.uk 21 Special Feature Co-production

Through Citizen Leadership, John Jennings has been involved in service Citizens transformation. He says others should grasp the take the lead opportunity.

itizen Leadership in some own experiences and share them At the company’s core is the Citizen Leaders within the learning form has been around constructively. We are all experts involvement of service users disability sector. for over 200 years, it is by our own experience. and carers: the directors of the We have recently been involved Chowever a relatively new East Midlands Citizen Leaders company are a service user and a in co–producing an engagement concept for social care in the UK. used some funding from the carer. Our first year enabled us to policy with the county council’s It was born out of the Department Department of Health to explore donate over £3,500 in goods and social care service. This will of Health Academies held in 2007, the possibility of setting up a services back to the community, ensure that a core set of rules which coincided with the end of the social enterprise. Although this with the help of In Kind Direct (In for engagement is created by pilots for Personal Budgets. Over didn’t work out, as a previous Kind Direct redistributes surplus service users and council officers. 150 people were trained and left business owner, I knew that there goods from manufacturers and This should, ensure that the the academies with the title Citizen was an opportunity to develop my retailers to UK charities working skills and good practice that has Leader own social enterprise, which I did at home and abroad). We have been created continues not only It gave service users the with the help of an Unltd start up built on this and now offer other within the county but can be used opportunity to be involved in grant, This evolved in 2010 into a low level services, all of which throughout the country to show transformation of services – no Community Interest Company – a fit into promoting independent what true co-production looks like longer sidelined as a silent voice non-profit organization to benefit living. This has created part time and the positive results it brings. but a chance to build on their communities and service users. employment and volunteering opportunities for hard-to-reach “Our first year enabled groups within communities and enhanced community cohesion. us to donate over During the development stage and from early 2008 I started to £3,500 in goods and work with Derbyshire County Council on its new Stakeholder services back to the Engagement Board. From this I progressed to being on several community” project boards – one in particular was a DVD project on ‘Making Care In all, co-production and the Personal’ – Derbyshire County involvement of people such as Council’s name and vision for myself has proved to be a success. personalisation within the county. It has been a steady journey to get The initial transformation grant to the highly productive stage we ended in 2011 and Derbyshire are now at. There have been many County Council has expressed its obstacles to overcome but through commitment to work with Citizen working together constructively we Leaders and Stakeholders to have created something that many continue to co-production with staff people ‘including me’ thought at all levels and there are plans to impossible. develop regional forums as well as There is a mutual respect and the existing Stakeholder Board. understanding that previously Citizen Leaders both indi- didn’t exist. Working relation- vidually and collectively act as a ships that are productive not voice across the county, and are only for the end user but also seen as vital conduits for service staff whom themselves have to users to enable positive changes undergo this change to a new way within service delivery, planning of working. and commissioning. We have representation from the mental health sector, older people, carers John Jennings is a service user and physical disability as well as and Director, Citizen Leaders CIC

22 www.lgiu.org.uk Special Feature Co-production

How can local authorities get maximum value from public service partnerships? An increasingly important question for Future Service local authorities in these tough economic times, and one which forms the subject Partnerships of new LGiU report, supported by John Laing*, writes Lauren Lucas

uture Service Partnerships: At the same time there are real them with the creation of additional providers of any sector in designing how the private and questions about whether communi- value for both. The private sector a tender. community sectors can ties have the desire or the capacity needs, therefore, to be seen as part Awarding contracts. Fgenerate social value to deliver services at any scale. of how civil society engagement is Investment in community capacity together, argues that councils are Many councils are more focused on delivered, not as an alternative to it. is not regarded as a priority when experiencing a number of drivers generating the savings they need To build a better understanding awarding a contract. We asked for local citizens to become more by exploring shared services, or of this issue, the LGiU undertook respondents to rank criteria in engaged in service design and the efficiencies of scale that can be a survey of local authority repre- order of importance in a tender delivery. The 2011 Localism Act realised by contracting out services sentatives about their partnership process. ‘Cost/value for money’ envisages a greater engagement to a third party provider, often a arrangements. The survey received was the most popular response, of communities in the delivery of large private organisation. 301 responses from local govern- while ‘community engagement services and management of assets, These approaches should not ment representatives, comprising potential of the bid’ was lowest on with new powers to 214 councils. the agenda. challenge councils “There are real questions Based on these findings, Future for control of service The main points highlighted by the Service Partnerships makes a delivery. research were as follows. about whether communities number of recommendations: There are other Commissioning councils. reasons for this sort of have the desire or the Partnership is now a major feature • Make investment in communities engagement. The pres- of service delivery. Over 90 per cent a political priority. sures of the current capacity to deliver services of respondents reported that their • Ensure investment in community financial settlement councils had engaged with another capacity is a meaningful part of will mean councils at any scale” party to deliver council services. the procurement process. are no longer able to This trend is set to continue: nearly • Establish a lead member for deliver the same range of services be seen as exclusive alternatives: 80 per cent of survey respondents community investment. they have formerly provided. Scar- bottom up localism versus strategic agreed that ‘forming partnerships • Engage with ward councillors. city of resources, combined with commissioning. Instead we need to for the delivery of public services is • Invest in council contract increasing demand for services find new models of partnership (and a priority for my organisation’. management skills. will necessitate more collabora- commissioning processes to support Community and voluntary sector tion between citizen and state as a them) that engage the private and partnerships. • Develop forums for local method of delivering more efficient community sectors and that involve 87 per cent of respondents said innovation. and responsive services. real transfer of capacity between that partnerships with voluntary For some, large integrated and community sector organisa- contracts are incompatible with tions would be ‘important’ or approaches that engage the commu- ‘very important’ in the next five nity sector. We argue that they are years. However, when asked about not mutually exclusive and can offer the perceived barriers to better complimentary responses to the partnerships in the future, 83 per same problem: how to deliver effi- cent highlighted ‘lack of capacity cient, responsive services adapted to in the community and voluntary the needs of the local community. sector’ as a problem. Go to www.lgiu.org.uk/publica- Private sector partnerships. tions to read the full report. For 77.5 per cent of respondents said more information, please contact they worked with the private sector Lauren Lucas at lauren.lucas@lgiu. in order to harness ‘their expertise org.uk and innovative practice’. Neverthe- less, councils were reluctant to engage this expertise to shape John Laing is a specialist investor a tendering process. Only 18.2 and operator of public sector per cent of respondents reported infrastructure. Lauren Lucas is an ‘regularly’ engaging with potential LGiU policy analyst

www.lgiu.org.uk 23 Special Feature Co-production

The long term economics for health services in developed countries is gloomy. The great news is that more of us will live longer. But How the bad news is that as we live longer in our older years we are likely to suffer from long patients term conditions and that, says Paul Corrigan, can add value is where co-production can save the day.

he other good news is that living longer). The demand will Value for health care systems has condition, you are living with that medicine will succeed grow faster and the resources will only come from medical staff, their condition for about 5,800 waking year on year in ensuring stay about the same. kits and from drugs. hours a year. You may see an NHS Tthat more and more At the moment 70 per cent of The patients’ role in this value professional for five hours in that people will survive such killers as NHS spend is on long term condi- equation is to receive the value year. During the rest of the time you heart disease and cancer. tions. This means that the game created by the medical staff, their are in charge of your own care. These successes have already changing innovation we need to kit and drugs. Within turned coronary heart disease into save the NHS, will have to come this model they are “To be effective in fully using a long term condition and increas- from this area. a sponge which just ingly year on year the same will What other industries and sucks up value. the time that people are happen to different cancers. services do when confronted with In other services, But the good news of our this dynamic is develop innovations the new source looking after themselves survival adds to demand for health which significantly improve the of value has been care that will be come from people outcomes for the same or slightly realised by involving needs a significant shift with long term conditions, as more fewer resources. the consumer of of us survive in the future. It is this Most game changing innovations that service in the in how we think about the that leads to the three to four per in business models from other production of value. cent annual increase in demand for industries or services come about In health systems, we patient pathway.” health care. In the next five years by finding new sources of value that have the opportunity the NHS will be lucky if the increase can contribute to the necessary of uncovering value, which at the The best way of adding value in resource is about one per cent. increase in outcomes. In the past moment is not seen as value, would be to ensure that the very In the rest of this decade it is likely and in the present, health care in through harnessing the work of small input from the NHS is multi- that both of these figures will get developed countries has a value patients in managing their own plied many times over as it works worse (or better, for those of us equation that has been simple. health care. If you have a long term with and improves the efficacy of the rest of the time when the patient is looking after their own care. To be effective in fully using the time that people are looking after themselves needs a signifi- cant shift in how we think about the patient pathway. This is what we mean by co production in health. It does NOT mean the patients look after them- selves. It means that the small amount of time the NHS has to spend with the patient is multiplied by the large amount of time the patient runs their own health care and through this combination the health care is CO-produced. That is why co-production is the only way in which sufficient value can be created to ensure that the NHS leaves this decade in as thriving a state as it entered it.

Paul Corrigan is a Management Consultant and Executive Coach

24 www.lgiu.org.uk Adult social care

We are living longer, and the crisis facing individuals and society as a whole is how we are going to be looked after in old age. Local government has a key role, which is why the All Party Parliamentary Local Government Group conducted an inquiry into adult social care. The LGiU has just published the report. Care today, care tomorrow

ocal authorities have the There is already substantial primary responsibility to progress towards this goal but a make sure the care needs step change is needed. To help of older people are met drive this change the report

L A ndrew W iard now and in the future. The APPG recommends that Community inquiry into the social care system Budgets, which are currently heard evidence from more than being piloted by the government, 80 organisations including local are implemented across all local authorities, care providers and authority areas with a focus on user groups. health prevention. The group believes that the key Recommendation 2: The Group to improving care now and in the heard how Health and Wellbeing future is the systemic re-orientation Boards are already making an of the health and social care system impact and have great potential. towards prevention. This will take To realise this, the Boards out costs for both individuals and need powers to influence the NHS the public purse, lessen demand for Commissioning Board’s plans, care and provide better outcomes and the right to challenge those for older people. plans if they are not sufficiently in keeping with “The Group recommends the joint health and wellbeing that the government divert strategy. The NHS Commis- additional resources from NHS sioning Board should have a budgets to preventative care” duty to cooperate with the Health In the knowledge that the and Wellbeing Board in the exer- government’s funding White cise of its functions and specifi- Secretary of State Eric Paper was imminent and with the cally in relation to the promotion Pickles speaking at the backdrop of the proposals made by of integration and collaborative launch of the report. the Dilnot Commission, the group working. decided to focus on the changes The Group recommends that To close this gap, the Group remain financially independent and that it believes can be made now to the NHS and local authorities be recommends that the government to shape social care markets. improve the care system and meet required to make an annual state- divert additional resources from Local authorities across the current funding challenges. ment that accounts for all NHS NHS budgets to preventative care. country should as a matter of The report makes four key and adult social care expenditure In the current year £622m of NHS urgency emulate the best practice recommendations on what can so that members of Health and money has been invested in social featured in this report to help be done between now and 2015 to Wellbeing Boards can scrutinise care. The report recommends people stay independent for longer; reform the care system and meet and challenge the choices made. that this is doubled in 2012/13 to manage and stimulate a market current funding challenges. This information should also be and 2014/15 to the end of the CSR of care provision; and to ensure that Recommendation 1: Local made publicly available. period, using funds from NHS all citizens, not just those funded government and the NHS must Recommendation 3: Evidence underspends (currently £1.5bn) by the council, receive timely and integrate services and budgets gathered in the Inquiry suggests ahead of savings accruing. appropriate advice about their care to change the focus of social care that the funding gap is around Recommendation 4: The role of options and about how to manage services and spending towards 4.4 per cent a year, equivalent to local authorities needs to evolve to their finances effectively to meet prevention. £634m. help people lead independent lives, the costs of their care.

www.lgiu.org.uk 25 Localism

In the last issue of c’llr, Shona Johnstone introduced us to her c’llr Bruce-Lockhart Member New Scholarship project to explore how localism can be delivered in new communities. Here she community reports on progress. conundrums

ince May I have spent a powers does it have? At what stage drawn up, but I am aiming to look as a senior councillor said to me lot of my time narrowing in the development does it take place at two settlements built on a green- “the political will to create a quality down the focus of this and what is the role of the local ward field site and two that are the result of place”. I am working with the Sstudy. member in supporting the new body. of regeneration projects in order to LGiU to see how this might best be The biggest challenge has been Finally, I will be looking at compare and contrast experiences disseminated, with the possibility knowing what not to look at. There planning and design, particularly of each. I also want to ensure that of a conference on the theme of are so many angles to think about around levels of affordable housing, there is a good geographic spread localism and certainly promoting when considering localism in new type of tenure and what impact the around the country. the benefits of the Bruce-Lockhart communities and how to engage physical design can have which In November I will be presenting Scholarship to other members for new residents. For example, looking might lead to improved community an interim report to the LGiU, setting future years. at how new financial models could engagement and involvement. out what my visits and research has make a difference, or how some of I recently visited New Hall just revealed so far. The end result, next the new policy drivers, for example outside Harlow, where garden year, will be a manual of good prac- Shona Johnstone is a Cambridge community budgets or the Troubled space has been reduced in order tice for local councillors to support, County Councillor Families Initiative might be applied to provide more open space in the to localism in new communities, development. It is an interesting but I only have one year for the concept and speaking to a resident project and I want to concentrate she was very enthusiastic about the on what can make a difference and amount of green space in a very what impact the role of the local high density development. ward councillor can have. For those of you “I will be looking at how we ensure that interested in this award next the first residents of a new development year, I have left you plenty of do not feel that everything has already scope to take this project to a been decided.” different phase! My research is now starting to So how am I doing all this? I will take shape. I will be looking at three be starting a one year graduate areas, to see what effect they might diploma in urban design and place have on what is often described as shaping in September, which will “New Town Blues”. First, I will be help me gain a useful understanding looking at community engagement of the impact of design and planning. and the extent to which different As well as the LGiU I am also being types of community engagement supported by the Global Sustain- supports localism. What works and ability Institute at Anglia Ruskin also what doesn’t work. I will also University. They are very interested be looking at when that engagement in the role that environment can play takes place and how we ensure that in new communities and also levels the first residents of a new develop- of social activism and are carrying ment do not feel that everything has out some research on a new devel- already been decided. opment to the south of Cambridge. Second, I am considering what Over the summer I intend to visit impact governance arrangements a number of new developments have. For example, does the new to talk to officers and elected development have a parish council, members about their experience. or neighbourhood forum and what The final shortlist is still being

26 www.lgiu.org.uk Community safety

Whether ejecting gangs from a local park or dealing with a march by the English Defence League, the winner of this year’s young councillor award has faced some diverse challenges. She spoke about An them to Elizabeth Thompson. engaging approach

wenty-nine-year-old its new blood. It wasn’t long before really important. Our message was very diverse. Getting more young Tafheen Sharif has 30 residents had approached her if you have concerns tell us, don’t people in civic life is a passion of served on Luton Borough with complaints that their local do anything silly that you’ll regret. mine.” But Tafheen understands TCouncil for just over a park had been taken over by drug But it’s all credit to Luton’s young the pressures of juggling a civic life year, for most of which she held dealers. Working closely with people themselves too!” with a career that’s just getting off the portfolio for community safety. the council and police, Tafheen Tafheen is certainly committed the ground. “You have to be dedi- Her time in office has certainly launched a campaign to reclaim to encouraging more young people cated and work hard. It has been been full-on, but her enthusiasm the park. Cameras were installed, into civic life. “They do feel quite a challenge but very enjoyable. I’d hasn’t been dampened. “Challenge, the police presence was increased disenfranchised, certainly in my encourage anyone to get involved, for me is a positive thing. With all and hundreds of the letters were ward. At events I’ve met young if they want to make a difference, the projects I’ve worked on it was written. The police were astounded people who have been impressed because you really can!” difficult initially. There’s a lack of by the number of people who called that someone like me could get resources and you have to push them with information. The project onto the council – they imagine it’s hard to get anything done. But culminated in a picnic for families made up of retired people. So I try Elizabeth Thompson is a freelance being a councillor has been a very attended by 100 people. “Now to show them that our council is journalist positive experience for me.” the cameras have gone but the drug dealers haven’t returned. The park is “At events I’ve met young packed with people and it’s wonderful to see people who have been families here again, how it should be.” impressed that someone Although a lawyer by trade, grass roots like me could get onto the community safety issues have meant new council – they imagine it’s challenges for Tafheen. She needed to liaise made up of retired people.” with local people over a march by the English Tafheen came to the council Defence League, to ensure Muslim after an eight year stint as a school communities in particular felt safe governor. “I knew from a young age amid intense media interest. She I was passionate about education, also worked with colleagues to deflect so I did look around, wondering last summer’s riots from the town. what I could do to help young “Luton was very lucky not to have riots kids. I thoroughly enjoyed being although we have a very young and a governor but felt there must be diverse community, with many similar more I could do in terms of decision issues to London. Young people find it making. Being on the council has difficult to get jobs and many are not enabled me to push things forward; in education, so we thought it would to do things for different schools. It kick-off here too.” was good to be able to achieve even The council and police acted small things for local schools, from fast. Young people were targeted quite early on.” direct, with texts and cards in shops Soon after becoming elected warning them to stay home and Tafheen was asked to take on the avoid a criminal record and Tafheen portfolio for community safety, a attended schools to give talks to high profile position for a novice, but 14 to 16-year-olds. “Being a young the council was keen to encourage person myself, talking them was

www.lgiu.org.uk 27 Young people

Compared to the other Core Cities, and its statistical neighbours, Nottingham has the lowest proportion of NEET 16-18 year olds. Nick McDonald describes some of the council’s work to make Intervening those figures possible. for a better future

oung people that don’t What can we do? The Work manage to access the Foundation argues that it is ‘tran- jobs market by the sition’ from education to a first job Yage of 24 often suffer that creates the highest hurdle. consequences for the rest of their Some young people are stuck in a lives. This is why it is so alarming, trap where a lack of skills means both socially and economically, that they cannot get a job, but that lack of a job means that they cannot develop the “Young people that don’t skills they need. This is where intervention manage to access the jobs needs to be targeted. This is why, here in. market by the age of 24 In March 2012, 5.2 per cent of 16-18 year olds often suffer consequences were NEET compared to a national average of for the rest of their lives.” 5.7 per cent.

that around one million young Our efforts include: people in England are NEET (not in • Funding our excellent NEET employment, education or training) service through a company – almost one in six of all 16-24 jointly owned with Notting- year olds. Not surprisingly, the hamshire County Council. recession has made this existing This company is tasked with problem, even worse. tracking and supporting young In May, the Work Foundation people into education, training published: ‘Lost in Transition? The or employment and deploying introduced strategies that will We will encourage and support changing labour market and young personal advisors targeted at help identify young people who employers, particularly SMEs, people not in employment, educa- the most vulnerable. are at risk of becoming NEET, so to take on apprentices and offer tion or training’. This made clear that we can provide support and ongoing support to employers • Introducing a new Nottingham the scale of the problem: nationally intervention when it’s needed. for three months to ensure that Jobs fund which subsidises more than 450,000 young people apprentices stay in post. young people’s employment have never had a job. In preparation for the national Helping individuals to end their for a year. This has proved It is important to remember that change which will increase the NEET status can and should form a extremely successful and we the causes of becoming NEET can age when young people can central plank of the austerity-state’s have expanded the scheme on vary: they may include a role as a leave education, Nottingham is ambitions to improve life in the UK. the back of high demand. £2.5m fulltime carer, or long term health trialling a number of projects. Individuals, society and our collec- will be invested in the jobs fund issues and disability. Young people Nottingham’s Economic Growth tive bottom line will all benefit from over three years, supporting are also competing for service Plan, supported by our new City smart, targeted interventions that 400 young people into work. sector jobs in an ever more inter- Deal, has committed to create one support our young people when they national arena. So no single policy • Developing a progression agree- team to analyse our local labour need that support most. intervention will support all young ment between schools and market, advertise services to local people in to their first job. However, colleges in Nottingham so that employers and develop coherent there is evidence that it is the lack of young people make effective support focusing on employers’ Nick McDonald is Executive what the Work Foundation calls ‘soft transitions and are supported recruitment needs. We will achieve Member for Jobs, skills’ – such as ‘communication, in further academic progress. this by combining services with Skills and Business team working and customer service’ More of our schools are offering those of Job Centre Plus. An Executive & Majority Support/ – vital in our post industrial economy practical skills through voca- account management service will Partnerships Team, Nottingham – that can lead to NEET status. tional qualifications. We have offer a single point of contact. City Council

28 www.lgiu.org.uk Young people

In common with other areas across the country, numbers of young people 16 to 18 years of age not in education, employment and training (NEET) in Kirklees had remained stubbornly high for some time. Mehboob Khan reports on NEET what the council has been doing to tackle the problem. solutions

irklees held a NEET to post-16 options so that young conditions for our businesses to take Summit Event in 2010 people remain in learning beyond on young people. Although Kirklees with all strategic partners 16 years of age. This fits with the has an above average percentage Kto stimulate the drive to Raising Participation Age agenda of employers engaged in taking on reduce number of young people whereby the government has made apprentices than our counterparts NEET when the percentage of NEET a clear commitment to raising the in the Leeds City Region (out of young people was 10.3 per cent participation age to 17 years of age approximately 11,760 employers in (about 1,300 young people). The Kirklees approximately way the government counts young 1678 employers were people NEET has changed since “Kirklees’ Apprenticeship known to have appren- that time, but using a comparable tices) we know we must the businesses had or would counting methodology the number Hub, established in 2010, continue to increase the consider taking on an apprentice. of young people NEET in March number of apprentice We then used the results to carry 2012 is about 780 and in March 2012 recognises and delivers a opportunities and we out follow up work promoting the stands at 7.2 per cent. need more businesses National Apprenticeship Service, Kirklees is now developing its multi-agency approach to to take on apprentices if local employer engagement events Raising Participation Age Strategy we are to reduce NEET. and incentives. with 14-19 Progression Board support young people in the Kirklees’ Apprentice- Within this, the council also aims to partners to increase young people’s ship Hub, established lead by example as an employer and is participation in learning and drive area into apprenticeships” in 2010, recognises and taking the opportunity to consider how down NEET further. The focus of delivers a multi-agency its own organisational restructuring our work has been to work closely in 2013 and to 18 by 2015. approach to support young people in can be used to help young people in with secondary schools as part Our Apprenticeship Strategy and the area into apprenticeships, partic- the district. As an example, currently of a NEET prevention agenda. Employment and Skills Strategy ularly those from the NEET group. It the council is offering around ten The number of young people are key now in terms of driving has been working on some innova- Business Support traineeships/ becoming NEET at 16 years of forward both the NEET agenda and tive approaches to create the right apprenticeships leading to entry level age has reduced substantially to in reducing the number of young conditions for businesses to take on jobs to complement the organisation- about three per cent. Our focus at people who are unemployed beyond an apprentice. Approaches include; wide review of the Business Support the moment is ensuring we have 18 years of age. working with a local Apprenticeship function. These opportunities will be appropriate progression routes and Kirklees Council understands Training Agency to articulate this promoted to NEETs. pathways, in particular relating the importance of creating the right lower risk option for SMEs to take on The council also held a highly young people; delivering a successful apprenticeship informa- social care sector project tion and awareness raising event and public to private for Yr11-13 students, parents (over “Testbed” partnership; 350 students/parents attended) and working with one of our schools, allowing students to engage leading manufacturers with a range of employers who offer to deliver a “Technical apprenticeships and to hear first hand apprentice recruitment” from current apprentices what it’s like project; making provision to be an apprentice and the oppor- for a local apprentice- tunities apprenticeships can offer to ship incentive which has progress within your chosen field-all created 50 apprentice the way up to degree level. Employers positions; and using our at the event were very impressed annual Employer Survey with calibre of the young people who to Turn intelligence into attended. Action. In this survey of over 1400 businesses in Kirklees, we asked a Mehboob Khan is leader of question about whether Kirklees

www.lgiu.org.uk 29 Welcome to the LGiU

It’s not just councils that can join the LGiU – we have membership categories for other organisations with a connection to local government. A recent newcomer is the National Audit Office. Lynda The McMullan explains some of the NAO’s connections. National Audit Office

e live in a time of In developing our new role in the on local accountability and on the Over the next years, council- increasing turbulence sector alongside our position as the community budget pilots. lors will face increasingly difficult and uncertainty in the auditor of central government means To be clear, there are a number decisions as the financial position Wworld of public and that we can uniquely take an “end- of aspects of the Audit Commis- tightens. This will call for strong private finance. to-end” view of the value for money sion’s current work which we will leadership and require robust The banking crisis in the private of key government initiatives. This not be taking on. Responsibility information. We would welcome sector and an increasing drive for is particularly useful when looking your views as to how we cost reduction in the public sector across the various departments can best support you in means that external audit and the that impact locally. Our reports will “We will be developing our this challenging environ- not only consider what is ment. We consider that happening in the sector programme of value for we have a shared agenda but also give an insight around maximising value into central government’s money work to consider for money, with each of us approach to local govern- bringing experience, skills ment. Working with our the local government and knowledge. I am looking Local Government Panel, we forward to leading the NAO’s aim to develop a strategic sector more explicitly” work in this area, and future programme of work that is conversations with the sector valuable to the sector and to for the monitoring of the quality of to guide us on our way. the taxpayers who support it. audit work will pass to the Financial If you’d like to make contact with We have already Reporting Council. Local authori- us to discuss our work, please feel published a report on Central ties themselves will appoint their free to e-mail: Local.Government@ Government’s Communica- own auditors when the current nao.gsi.gov.uk. tion and Engagement with contracts in place under the Audit Local Government, and Commission regime have run their have further work course. The NAO will not be the Lynda McMullan is Assistant underway on finan- auditors or inspectors of individual Auditor General at the National cial sustainability in local authorities. Audit Office Local Government, search for value for money have never been more in the minds of the general public. “We consider that With this as the background, the National Audit Office’s role we have a shared with regard to local government is developing. Following the agenda around Government’s decision to abolish the Audit Commission, we have maximising agreed to take on responsibility for maintaining the Code of Audit value for money, Practice which sets the frame- work within which local auditors with each of work. We will also be developing our programme of value for money us bringing work to consider the local govern- ment sector more explicitly. The experience, skills relevant draft legislation was published on Friday 6 July and the and knowledge” consultation ends on 31 August for those intending to respond.

30 www.lgiu.org.uk Another view

Mrs. Doyle: There’s always time for a nice cup of tea. Sure, didn’t the Lord himself pause for a nice cup of tea before giving himself up for the world? Father Ted Crilly: No, he didn’t, Mrs Doyle! Mrs. Doyle: Well, whatever the equivalent they had for tea in those days, cake or something. And speaking of cake, I have cake! Mrs [She holds up a cupcake] Father Ted Crilly: No, thanks, Mrs. Doyle. Mrs. Doyle: Are you sure, Father? There’s cocaine in it! Doyle’s Father Ted Crilly: WHAT? Mrs. Doyle: Oh, no, not cocaine. God, what am moment? I on about? No, what d’you calls them: raisins.*

rs Doyle’s uncertainty street cleaning; a spot of recycling; outfits to the list of ‘relevant bodies’. community but potentially by large about the difference running a community centre? This Once a challenge to run service(s) outsourcing firms. between cocaine is the impression being assidu- gets the go ahead it triggers a full ‘Community Rights’ have been Mand raisins and her ously promoted by the government procurement process allowing presented as a’ nice cup of tea’; relentless insistence on ‘having and its third sector allies. private companies to compete for a better metaphor would be a a nice cup of tea’ put me in It is a familiar narrative. Hazel the business. The regulations also magnum of ‘Bolly’. mind of a script which has great Blears was plugging the same allow for a private sector company *From an episode of ‘Father Ted’ comic potential: ‘My Community line in ‘Real People; Real Power’- to partner up with a community broadcast in 1996. Rights’ published by an outfit back in 2008. However that was group and through them to bid for called ‘Locality’ and supported guidance: Community Right to the work. In short, since 27 June by a number of third sector and Challenge (CRtC), is part of the everything that a council does is Alan Waters is the LGiU’s learning charitable ‘delivery specialists’; Localism Act and enshrined in subject to takeover – not by the and development manager including the National Association statute. It is the delivery arm of the of Local Councils. It’s ambition, with Coalition’s aspiration in the Open the help of £11.5m of taxpayers’ Public Services White Paper to money, is in the government’s end directly provided local council words – to ‘support ‘communities’ services and create a market of who have good ideas for how they ‘diverse providers’ can bid for and run ‘excellent local Does this mean our chums in services’. the ‘Community Rights’ website What particularly caught my picture will be multiplied 10,000 attention was the domestic setting fold and be the nuclei of ‘empow- within which this revolution in ered’ communities delivering service delivery is to take place. ‘excellent services’ across the Under an uplifting strap line is nation? Well not exactly. Eric Pickles and Andrew “It is a familiar narrative. Stunell’s definition of ‘community’ Hazel Blears was plugging is elastic. Helen Randall and Mike the same line in ‘Real People; Mousdale of the legal firm Trowers Real Power’– back in 2008.” & Hamlins have identified four ways a photograph of healthy looking in which “services could pass not to pensioners in a communal setting “the Community” but to a commer- being served lunch, by a happy cial third party”. In the case of two volunteer. I think we are being or more employees of the local asked to imagine that this is a authority, Randall and Mousdale working lunch, well lubricated observe that “any employee led by many cups of tea to plan ‘an business will normally be a profit expression of interest’ to run some making business and not really a council services. But what are they community body”; the Secretary planning to take over – a park; of State can also add commercial

www.lgiu.org.uk 31 Postcard from San Francisco

As London’s mayor launches the capital’s first cable car, Chris Mead reports that the more earth bound cable car is still an Public integral part of San Francisco’s public transport system. transport on the up

“ t’s the bendy-bus of death!” cried our horror story. “Muni Meltdown” is a popular English visitor. We had been waiting headline. This attitude has some merit. The for the No. 10 when an apparently average speed of the fleet is 8mph, which is “British visitors are Iinnocent articulated vehicle trundled slower than traffic in central London. On the into view. Well, over here we think they are other hand for two bucks I can ride from one usually convinced that kinda cute, and they highlight an important end of the system to the other as opposed to trend, something rather un-American: we the four quid you get stung for going one stop are finally becoming more comfortable with on London’s Tube. San Francisco’s sole form the idea of public transportation. Or at least Muni, which is run by the city, is a mish- the urban young are – according to a recent mash of buses, trolleys, trams, and yes, those of transit are those funny study their use of transit has increased by 40 cable cars. We almost lost the tram lines at per cent in the last decade. the apex of car-centric thinking back in the little cable cars” About time too: usage began to decline in the 1960s but mercifully they were saved by an late 1920s when America fell seriously in love alliance of public transportation advocates with the automobile. Even so the average Joe and nostalgia freaks. (When I was in Le Mans was still taking 140 transit rides a year but over last year they were digging up the roads the decades that number dropped and since putting tram rails back.) But if you want real the 1970s we have bumped along at a mere 33. nostalgia take a look at our trolley buses – I What’s more these stats hide an important fact should explain to younger readers that these – most Americans never use public transporta- are electrical vehicles that draw power from tion with the exception of air travel. Those who a maze of overhead cables. Forget getting do are big-city dwellers like me. teary-eyed over Routemasters, I last saw trol- British visitors are usually convinced lies in London fifty years ago. that San Francisco’s sole form of transit Nostalgia gets downright glutinous with are those funny little cable cars which, as Muni’s Historic F Line that winds its way down Tony Bennett noted when he left his heart Market Street and alongside the Bay, an area here, go halfway to the stars. Anyone who which, by a stupendous coincidence, is highly has watched Bullitt knows that we have trafficked by tourists. All the streetcars are some mighty steep hills. These proved a vintage vehicles like the one Judy Garland challenge to transportation until 1873 when rode in Meet Me in St. Louis. Some come all an engineer developed a system of moving the way from Milan and still carry the original cables embedded in the road that a vehicle adverts – a nice touch that helps visitors over- operator could grip and release with a lever, look the fact that they are rattling down the thus creating the city’s picturesque cable street in a sweaty tin box. car system, now the last of its kind and the When I asked friends ‘n’ family about their nation’s sole moving historical monument. Muni experiences most stories were not about Nowadays every large American city, even the service but their wacky fellow passengers. that miasma of freeways Los Angeles, has a San Francisco is nothing if not diverse in every half-decent public transportation system. I sense, and the Muni is the one place where know – as a non-driver I used to ride the LA we literally rub together. America should do buses when I first arrived in the US in 1984. more of this – get out of the enclaves and meet When I told the driving school I was 35 years face to face – it develops a sense of community old and had never sat behind the wheel of by giving us all something to moan about. E a car they sent round an instructor who Pluribus Unum – out of many, one. Although specialized in teaching the mentally disabled. I hear the No.1 is running late this morning. The principal transit system in San Fran- cisco, Muni, is widely used and universally unloved. Muni-bashing is a local sport with Chris Mead is recently retired as IT director media outlets competing to publish the latest of the City of Berkeley, California

22 Upper Woburn Place London WC1H OTB www.lgiu.org.uk 020 7554 2800