Public Participation Networks & Local Authorities Working Together
Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) • State agency of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. • Established in 2012 to provide a range of services to the Local Government Sector. • These services are provided within the context of LGMA statutory remit, and in support of co- ordinated and cost-effective delivery of Local Government services and policy. • The LGMA provides support to the CCMA and CCMA committees.
County and City Management Association (CCMA) • CCMA is a network of Local Authority Chief Executives across the country. • CCMA meets monthly. • 7 committees under the CCMA provide a structure to examine key issues facing the sector. • Committees engage with external stakeholders including government departments and agencies, make submissions, develop best practice, ensure consistency in interpretation and implementation of policy across the sector.
CCMA Structure CCMA Executive CCMA Environment, Climate Economic, Enterprise, Change and Emergency Land Use and Transport Housing and Building Corporate Committee Finance Committee Community and Culture Water Committee Planning (ECCEP) (LUTS) Committee Committee (EECC) Committee Committee
Economic Enterprise, Community & Culture Committee (EECC) • Chair: Ann Doherty, Chief Executive, Cork City Council. • Agenda topics include: PPN, Tourism, Arts, Rural Development, Economic Development, Leader funding, LEOs and Brexit. • Focus on PPNs. • Two nominees nominated this year by the EECC Committee from the local authority sector to the PPN National Advisory Group (NAG). • Alan Farrell, Galway County Council and Rebecca Loughry, Cork City Council.
Context • 5 years since establishment of PPNs - continues to evolve and develop. • A number of different models in existence. • Many models of good practice – some areas where there have been challenges and difficulties. • Time of continuing growth of PPNs – over 16,600 member groups • 2019 important year for PPNs – involved in new LA Boards and Committees from the start and also the development of LECPs and Corporate Plans etc.
Context • PPNs valuable independent resource for both local communities and Local Authorities • EECC is looking at the development of the PPNs in Local Authority areas. • Representatives nominated to the NAG. • DRCD & NAG progressing a number of initiatives to support PPNs – Revieww of User Guide, PPN Review in 2020, Community Wellbeing Visions etc. • As a sector we are committed to participating in these and CCMA has commenced preparation for these processes.
Supports 1. Recommendations for & feedback from LAs from the three Annual Reports to date. 2. PPN User Guide -to support all PPN stakeholders - in progressing a nationally consistent framework for PPNs. 3. Review of PPN structures.
LA Recommendations in 2018 Annual Report • Training: – Standardised training pack – Bespoke training for senior management in LAs – Induction training for all elected reps – LA sector welcomes the new targeted training programme which will be rolled out to LAs and PPNs • Policy and Decision making in Partnership – Adoption of a User Friendly approach to support PPN participation – Develop communications protocol between LAs and PPNs – More regular meetings between PPNs and LAs – DRCD developing communication strategy with NAG subgroup and this will be welcomed by LAs
Feedback from LAs in 2018 Annual Report • Review of User Guide. • Long term funding commitment needed. • Development of national trainingg programme. • Acknowledgement of the importance of independent and autonomy. • Additional administrative supports.
PPN User Guide • Timely to update User Guide to ensure it properly captures the range of issues impacting on the operation of PPNs and is fit for purpose in terms of supporting the on-going growth and development of PPNs. • The input of both LAs and PPNs into new User Guide critical. • CCMA facilitating LA input into this process. • The new User Guide will be an important resource and will support LAs to engage in a consistent way with PPNs.
Review of PPN Structures • Review of PPN structures in 2020. • Key opportunity to support for PPNs development. • Opportunity to learn from models of good practice that exist between the LAs and PPNs.
Case Study- Cork City Experience • The set up phase of the PPN in Cork City was challenging for all involved – model of operation of PPN, recruitment of staff, creating a shared understanding of the role of the PPN representative, links with democracy and local government etc. • A number of key factors have developed this into a positive collaborative engagement for both partners.
Ways we work together….. • PPN critical support to local communities and LA in boundary extension. • PPN has supported a number of LA consultative processes. • Valued members of number of structures – SPC, JPC, LCDC etc. • A number of joint initiatives between the PPN and Cork City Council- Cork Evolves, Community Initiatives in extended boundary area etc. • Healthy tension!
Conclusion • 2019 / 2020 key time for PPNs and LAs. • Number of opportunities and developments exist. • Critical that these are utilised to support the enhancement and further development of a strong working relationship between PPNs and LAs.
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