Local government is changing rapidly and devolution in different forms is taking place across England. Local authorities will have to work smarter in order to maintain and improve services.
Chairman of Bayston Hill Parish Council, Cllr Rob Ruscoe said “Full Council on Monday 8th September unanimously decided to sign this MoU. We are determined to make sure the residents of Bayston Hill are not left behind as local government changes in the coming years. We are keen to be on the front foot and work together with Shropshire Council and other partners to ensure Bayston Hill continues to be a wonderful place to live.”
This Memorandum of Understanding is made between Shropshire Council and Bayston Hill Parish Council to establish a framework for improved collaborative working on service delivery, to explore the potential for Bayston Hill to take on additional responsibilities in response to budgetary pressures faced by Shropshire Council and to recognise that such services may often be effectively delivered by an organisation with strong understanding of local needs.
Cllr Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council said “I’m delighted to see Bayston Hill Parish Council sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Shropshire Council – one of many local councils stepping forward to shape services in their communities. This is a great example of partnership working in action, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
The purpose of this MoU is to set out the principles and areas of cooperation between the two councils to explore more effective service provision, avoid duplication, and explore opportunities for local service devolution where appropriate.
Shropshire Councillor for Bayston Hill, Cllr Teri Trickett said “I am delighted about our village entering a new phase of partnership with Shropshire Council. This partnership will empower our village with greater control over local service delivery and decision-making for the benefit of our community.”
What will this mean?
Openness and Transparency – where appropriate and lawful to do so engaging in timely and meaningful consultations on policies, strategies, and projects impacting the local community, with a usual consultation period of six weeks unless mutually agreed otherwise or subject to separate specific legal processes and requirements.
Efficiency and Effectiveness – seeking opportunities to improve service delivery through joint initiatives or delegation of responsibilities.
Sustainability – ensuring that any service changes or transfers are financially viable and beneficial in the long term, in accordance with national devolution objectives.
Community-Focused – prioritising the needs and aspirations of residents through structured engagement and consultation.
Respect and Autonomy – recognising the respective roles and responsibilities of each council while ensuring adaptability to possible future local government reorganisation.
Support and Capacity Building – providing training, resources, and assistance to ensure effective local service delivery.
Decision taking - ensuring both parties make appropriate arrangements to enable required formal decision taking to coordinated timescales.
ENDS
For more information contact the Clerk on clerk@baystonhillparishcouncil.org.uk
Image L-R Cllr Trickett, Cllr Ruscoe