Local government reorganisation presents an opportunity to strengthen our links with residents by boosting our local community engagement.
In a letter to councils in June Minister for Local Government Jim McMahon, emphasised the importance of localism and community participation, through accountable systems like Neighbourhood Area Committees. These were previously being referred to as Community Boards – but we will now be adopting the same government name of Neighbourhood Area Committees.
Neighbourhood Area Committees will aim to bring people together and create real opportunities for local collaboration and insight gathering in towns and villages. We’ll be starting with a Test and Learn phase in 4 local areas in the summer and then further rollout to another 19 areas by the end of 2025.
Once up and running, these committees will give communities a chance to provide local insights, ideas and feedback that will help shape local action plans for their neighbourhood areas. By connecting and working together with the key decision makers and partners in those areas.
To ensure that these NACs have a strong connection between residents, groups and public service organisations, we expect them to include representatives from:
- Health partners
- Surrey Police
- Education and business sectors
- Large Voluntary Community Social Enterprise groups
- Local residents and community groups
- Local councillors
- Town and parish councils
Shape the future of your Neighbourhood Area Committees
We want you to be part of this journey. Residents will have the chance to help shape the areas of focus for each Neighbourhood Area Committee. By understanding the specific needs of the local areas, we can focus on the issues that matter most and make a lasting difference.
We’ll be sharing more information here on how you can join up and join to make things happen, but also make sure to follow us on social media and sign up to Surrey Matters to find out more.
If you have any further questions on local government reorganisation and Neighbourhood Area Committees, you can email us directly at devolutionandlgr@surreycc.gov.uk.