Community vision and the localism agenda

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Local Government and also in Central Government, Communities, Education, Environment, Housing

Two Rivers hosted the region’s first Community Summit on Friday 11^th March at Maisemore Village Hall in Gloucestershire.  The summit involved senior personnel from Gloucestershire County Council and the Forest of Dean District Council alongside community leaders, voluntary groups and representatives of a range of community groups. 

The purpose of the summit was to explore the transformative power of the ‘Big Society’ idea and consider how the right combination of incentives and freedoms can enable a localised agenda to benefit community groups, businesses and organisations.  Keynote speakers include Mark Harper MP and economist and author - Dr David Garnett.

The summit’s inclusive approach brought people together and offered the potential to discuss working collaboratively to create and develop services to replace those traditionally delivered by the government, and build a stronger, greener future through community based decision making processes. 

Dr. David Garnett said:

‘A significant number of independent services are already facing serious unprecedented pressure to meet local demand, and the potential cuts will have a devastating impact on the individuals and communities they serve.  The summit will explore how the changes will directly affect organisations, businesses and more importantly people receiving the services. As Chair of social landlord Two Rivers Housing, I am conscious that we need to support people in need and find ways of working collaboratively and efficiently to maintain vital  community projects.’

Garry King, Chief Executive of Two Rivers Housing added:

‘Many people are concerned about impending cuts and how they will be affected.  The summit will be an interactive event providing the opportunity to identify issues and highlight concerns, whilst adopting a measured approach to new ways of working.  If the concept of the ‘Big Society’ is to succeed, it is vital that real opportunities are given to new partnership arrangements.’