1. Community Call for Action Dave Burn Head of Scrutiny London Borough of Lambeth 020 7926 2186 28 November 2007

2. What is a Community Call for Action? In the Local Government White Paper, Strong and prosperous communities, the Minister for Communities and Local Government said: Local communities are represented by their democratically elected councillors. We want to strengthen the ability of local councillors to speak up for their communities and demand an answer when things go wrong. We propose that this role should be exercised by individual councillors through a Community Call for Action or collectively by councillors through the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. © Crown Copyright 2006

3. What is their purpose? Gives local communities a way to secure action if they have failed to address a particular persistent problem. Not designed to replace existing methods of complaint, but to complement them. Another tool to empower citizens. As a last resort may result in scrutiny action.

4. How will it all work? Ward councillors will be central to the whole process. Essential principle is that all cases should be resolved at the earliest possible stage – the vast majority of cases should not reach the scrutiny committee.

5. How it will work - diagram STEP 6: Cabinet or relevant partner consider scrutiny report. Community advised of decision. STEP 1: Approach by community to councillors.. STEP 5: Scrutiny decides that there is no case for further action. STEP 3: Most problems resolved at this stage. STEP 2: Councillor rejects the call for action (in line with guidance). STEP 5: Scrutiny draws up recommendations for action. STEP 4: The relevant Scrutiny Committee considers the issue. STEP 3: Councillor refers difficult problems that cant be resolved at this stage to scrutiny. STEP 2: Councillor and/or local partners try to resolve the issue informally.

6. Lambeth arrangements A valid CCA will: Specify its purpose - local importance and/or cross borough. Not complaints, planning, licensing or national non-domestic rates matters. Contain 500 signatures of Lambeth residents or people working or studying in the borough. Be supported by 4 local councillors, with an explanation of other attempts to resolve the issue. Identify the lead requisitioner with contact details. Identify the lead councillor who will complete the pro-forma. The lead councillor will present matter to the relevant scrutiny committee. Specify other attempts followed to resolve the matter.

7. Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (1) Some highlights (section 119) – Councillor Call for Action Any member can refer a local government matter to an overview and scrutiny committee (not crime and disorder). This will ensure the matter is included in the agenda and discussed at the committee. Members making requests will need to justify why the request should be considered (section 236). In deciding whether to proceed the committee may have regard to: (a) anything the member may have done to resolve the matter; and (b) justification as to why the matter should be considered

8. Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (2) If committee decides not to take up, must explain the reasons why to the Member If proceed, Member making the request must receive the report and any recommendations. Some useful links - For a copy of the full act: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2007a.htmhttp://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2007a.htm For the implementation schedule, an updated plan has been published by CLG: http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/publications/legislation-and-policy /