Larger Councils Forum

Larger Councils Forum

We have invited Siobhan Farmer and Helen Martin, the sponsor and lead for the newly constituted Neighbourhoods and Communities Programme to our next GALC larger Councils Forum meeting.

This has developed directly from the Place Model Workstream and is tasked with overseeing and driving the delivery of work that shapes how local governance will operate at neighbourhood level within the new unitary arrangements. It provides strategic direction, monitors progress against agreed outcomes, and ensures that the programme is effectively coordinated, resourced and aligned with wider LGR objectives. A key part of its role is to manage risks, support decision-making, and ensure that emerging neighbourhood models enable meaningful engagement, strong local representation, and effective partnership working across communities.

This session will bring you together as you, our largest councils, are uniquely positioned to engage with, and advocate for, our sector in the upcoming neighbourhood arrangements where you will play a leading role in partnerships, service delivery and supporting surrounding communities.

This discussion will give you the opportunity to share practical implications, opportunities and challenges.

Clerks and Councillors are encouraged to bring their questions and areas of interest. Early discussions have already highlighted a wide range of relevant topics, including future responsibilities, partnership working, funding and the evolving role of parish and town councils within a unitary structure.