Improving services for the community
Council pledges better access for residents’groups
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson has pledged to make links with communities even stronger.
Councillor Nicolson says one way the local authority will do this is by introducing a single point of contact for community groups.
Proposals that simplify the process for community organisations that need to access support have been approved by councillors.
The creation of a central resource will see requests from local people directed to the most relevant council department in the first instance, making it easier for people to get help.
Council officers will also be more readily available to offer guidance.
Local people will also be encouraged to use the Community Asset Transfer process, where responsibility for an asset transfers from the council to a community group or voluntary organisation.
This could be through a transfer of management responsibility, a short, medium or long-term lease or a transfer of ownership.
The new approach will be piloted this year in consultation with various organisations and is set to be supported by a £1.5million Community Empowerment Fund, which was announced as part of this year’s budget to run over the next five years.
Mr Nicolson said: “It is more important than ever that we work closely with local people and we’re working hard to strengthen the relationships we have with our local communities.
“We’re committed to creating an efficient pathway for local communities to access the support and guidance they need by simplifying the often complex council processes. Creating a single point of contact for community groups will help iron these processes out and ensure that local people can access the support we offer as easily as possible.
“I would encourage communities throughout Renfrewshire to assess their local area, identify how they could make improvements and work alongside us to make a difference to their local community.”
The council has been evaluating the way it interacts with communities and identifying how they can be involved in decision making through a review of its Local Area Committee structure.
Nine proposals were brought forward to an extensive consultation process and addressed issues such as: ● ensuring meetings are more accessible and participative ● localising the award of grant funding ● altering the current boundaries to bring them into line with community councils.
The results of this consultation will help refine the finalised proposals to ensure they fully reflect the needs and views of the local community and allow a more effective process to be maintained moving forward.
For more information on support for local communities, visit www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/community