Councils Launch New Charter to Enhance Local Collaboration and Community Engagement

What's Happening?

A new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration among councils has been introduced in Herefordshire, with parish councils invited to adopt the Charter for Herefordshire’s Councils 2025. This Charter, endorsed by Herefordshire Council and several parish bodies, seeks to improve service delivery, foster stronger partnerships, and empower communities throughout the county. The Charter was formally introduced during the Parish Council Summit on October 7, marking the culmination of nearly two years of consultation and joint development between county and parish councils. It outlines strategic goals to reinforce partnership working and support community-led initiatives, emphasizing mutual respect, clear communication, transparency, and strengths-based collaboration. The Charter also commits to timely responses to correspondence and consultations, and prompt payments for devolved services. Frameworks for joint working in critical areas such as planning, highways, drainage, public rights of way, and neighborhood development planning are included.

Why It's Important?

The introduction of the Charter is significant as it promises more responsive services, transparent communication, increased opportunities for civic engagement, and enhanced accountability across local government tiers. By fostering collaboration and community-led initiatives, the Charter aims to deliver tangible improvements for residents, making local governance more effective and cooperative. The Charter also introduces a resolution process for inter-council issues, ensuring that any barriers to cooperation are addressed promptly. This initiative is expected to strengthen the democratic fabric of Herefordshire by empowering parish councils, which are the closest tier of government to communities, to play a vital role in shaping the future of the county.

What's Next?

Progress under the Charter will be monitored through regular Parish Summits, with quarterly meetings between Herefordshire Council’s Leader and Chief Executive and the Charter Reference Group guiding ongoing development and refinement. The Reference Group, comprising representatives from both tiers, will act as both developer and guardian of the Charter, ensuring it remains relevant, effective, and accountable. As councils across Herefordshire consider adoption, the Charter stands as a blueprint for a more unified and community-focused approach to local governance.

Beyond the Headlines

The Charter represents a shift towards a more collaborative and community-focused approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and shared responsibility. By involving parish councils in the decision-making process, the Charter acknowledges their essential role in understanding local priorities and serving as the first point of contact for residents. This initiative could serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance local collaboration and community engagement.