The sector would be given strategic financial support and through devolved area and neighbourhood budgets, more funding would be available locally to support local community and voluntary action.
The unitary council proposal recognises the unique strengths of community and voluntary organisations in engaging people, representing diverse communities in different ways and delivering valued local services and support.
The proposal adheres to the principles and values agreed through the County Durham Compact with the community and voluntary sector, including a commitment to distribute funding fairly and quickly as well as providing long-term funding where possible.
A key feature of the proposal is the formation of 12 to 14 'area action partnerships' to serve the main natural communities of the County. The precise geography and number of natural communities would be agreed in consultation with local people, local community partnerships and other stakeholders. The area action partnerships would provide more 'local choice and local voice' in the County and would comprise key local representatives such as voluntary and community organisations, unitary and town & parish councillors, faith representatives, business representatives and local people.
The partnerships would perform an important 'brokerage' role between local communities and the public services which meet their needs. The new unitary council would work closely with existing Local Strategic Partnerships and the community and voluntary sector to retain best practice and expertise in managing the transition to the more locally-focused and action-oriented area action partnerships.
Each area would be supported by an area coordination team who would be responsible for enhancing community participation, facilitating local action and ensuring that the needs of local communities are effectively articulated and influence public services in the County.
From the overall cost savings generated by moving to unitary local government, each area action partnership would have an initial budget of approximately £150,000 per year to spend on local priority projects. Each unitary councillor would also have a budget of approximately £50,000 per year to support local initiatives, which further increases the amount of money available locally to support local voluntary and community initiatives.
Overall, the area action partnership concept is based on greater community engagement, enhanced local capacity and strengthened 'local voice'. It recognises the voluntary and community sector as a vital and diverse partner, which can work with local government to develop stronger, more active and vibrant communities in County Durham.