CHANGES in the running of local assets such as parks, open spaces and public toilets will be made over the coming years.
South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet has agreed a policy that opens the way for town and parish councils across the district to take over management and in some cases ownership of these services.
It will mean the local councils charging through their council tax precept rather than the provision being funded by Special Expenses from SGC.
South Glos said the transfer of funding for discretionary services would improve fairness, promote choice and give local people more control.
However, following many concerns raised by town and parish councils over the proposals, the transition will now take place over three years.
SGC said that during this time, town and parish councils in consultation with local people will decide what level of services they want, when they are ready to take on management of those services, and how they want to run them going forward.
The hope is that the move will help protect local services, which South Glos is not legally obliged to provide, at a time of increasing financial pressures. The council has a limit on the amount by which it is allowed to increase its council tax while town and parish councils do not.
SGC said: “As each town and parish council is unique, with a wide range of existing services, responsibilities and capacities, over the coming months and years we will work with each of them individually to help aid the transition.”
Town and parish councils have welcomed the alterations to the process in response to feedback but say they still have many questions and concerns.
Siston Parish Council sought further information from SGC under a Freedom of Information request to find out what the plans could mean for its residents.
It said in a statement: “The parish council will be carefully looking at resourcing to take on the additional responsibilities, the costs of doing so now and in future years. No decision has been made on what we can manage locally yet.”
Oldland Parish Council said: “Over the coming months, the parish council will carefully consider the opportunities and challenges presented by the Local Choice Policy. Any decisions on whether to take on additional services will need to be supported by a clear understanding of the resource requirements, long-term costs and the potential impact on local residents.”
Pucklechurch Parish Council chair Gail Boyle said: “Pucklechurch Parish Council opposed this policy on the grounds that it is an inequitable, cost-shifting exercise that lacks financial transparency, places an unfair administrative burden on small local councils, and forces an uncapped tax burden onto Pucklechurch residents.
“Whilst I welcome the changes introduced to allow for a better-informed, phased approach, it must be acknowledged that not all town and parish councils start from the same position.
For a smaller council like Pucklechurch, with limited staffing and a low tax base, taking on these services is no simple transfer.
Kingswood Town Council, which was formed only three years ago, discussed the proposals at its meeting in June. Members said more clarity was needed for a policy that was “in effect the dismantling of a single service that works across 40 plus parishes in the area, and the rebuilding of 40 new smaller services, with the consequences of a much more costly service, and leaving the residents worse off”.
It said the change was a big commitment with significant liabilities and commitments. However, local control and management of assets could ultimately be positive for the town.