Joining Forces for Levelling Up
In this meeting we explored the following questions: ‘What types of local or regional collaboration are most likely to generate the shared purpose, determination and energy needed to drive the Levelling-Up agenda. What should a community covenant (as proposed by Government) look like?’
(The community covenant idea is described as follows in the Government’s 2021 Levelling Up White Paper: ‘A Covenant approach would see local authorities and communities work together to take a holistic look at the health of local civic and community life, set out a driving ambition for their area, and share power and resources to achieve this.’)
The first speaker was Cate Newnes-Smith, CEO of Surrey Youth Focus and ‘thought-leader’ for the Joining Forces strand of our work. She was followed by Sally Young, former CEO of the Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service.
Here are some of the key points made by speakers and in discussion:
From on high, it can appear that Levelling-Up requires first and foremost a set of structural solutions (combined authorities, powerful Mayors, investment plans), with tangible outcomes (new rail links, for example). But Levelling-Up requires more focus on community development, and less on physical infrastructure, it was suggested.
This implies an appreciative inquiry approach by national and local government, not ‘This is what we are planning to do, what do you think of it’, but rather ‘What matters to you, what do you want to see happen?’
Where possible, there should an asset-based approach, building on existing and potential community strengths, along the lines of the Community Catalysts model for example.
Action should take place wherever possible in small places, because the wider the geographic scope, the more likely that significant local characteristics will be overlooked. The concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods is a good starting point (everything people need should be within 20 minutes travel time).
The conditions should be set so that many brave leaders can come forward (not a single person for a region) to drive the necessary changes.
Collaborative efforts can be encouraged in various ways, e.g. though Community Improvement Districts, or local tech platforms. Investment in community anchor organisations is one way to ensure long term coordinated community-led effort on the ground.
There is a need for better methods to help people operating at local level to make common cause with each other, and with those at regional and national levels. The principles of ‘sociocracy’ – decision making by consent rather than majority voting - may be useful.
We must not repeat the mistakes of previous regeneration programmes or the Big Society initiative. In England there may be positive things to learn from efforts elsewhere, including the Community Empowerment Act in Scotland.
A sustained effort will be needed over many years. Short term initiatives by themselves will not bring about Levelling-Up.