The Localism Act came into force on 15 November 2011. One of the main requirements of the Act is to introduce new powers for local communities, including a Community Right to Challenge.
The Community Right to Challenge provisions commenced on 27 June 2012 and form an important part of the Government’s plans to create the conditions for communities to play a bigger part in shaping the running of local services.
Under the Act, a defined 'relevant body' such as a charitable organisation, voluntary or community body or a town or parish council will be able to express an interest in providing a local authority service subject to certain exceptions. Under the new law, councils must respond to this challenge and consider the positive impact the proposal could have on the community.
If a challenge is rejected the council must publish the reasons for this. When a challenge is accepted the council must run a competitive procurement process.
We have developed the following information and guidance for relevant bodies in support of the challenge. This includes the council's procurement programme for 2012/13, the Market Position Statement which gives an indication of when challenges would be welcomed.
External funding is available as of 16 July 2012 from the Community Right to Challenge Grant Programme
For more information please contact
Nigel Manders Corporate Performance Team 01724 296330 procurement@northlincs.gov.uk
