Eden chosen as Big Society Pilot
Yesterday (20 July) in Liverpool, Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that Eden District is to be held up as one of the four national pilot areas for the roll out of the coalition government’s Big Society agenda.
David Cameron outlined what are to be the three major strands of Big Society which include:
- Social action
- Public service reform
- Community empowerment
Eden District Council’s Leader, Councillor Gordon Nicolson said: “We have been working very closely to support and enable local people to plan their aspirations for their area, whether this is more affordable homes or securing the long-term availability of essential services for rural areas. We are helping local communities to take the lead to achieve their goals and to take the credit and pride from their achievements.
“We are pleased that this hard work has been recognised by the government and that Eden will be at the vanguard of government policy, which will enable us to help local communities carry out the ideas. Being able to directly access support and expertise from government departments and having the ear of Ministers will drive forward our communities and enable them to deliver their future aspirations.”
The Prime Minister said the outcome of the Big Society would be: “Neighborhoods who are in charge of their own destiny, who feel if they club together and get involved they can shape the world around them.”
The initial focus of the Big Society pilot in Eden will be in two areas. The first of these is Crosby Ravensworth, who impressed the government with their plans to:
Joan Raine, the District Councillor for Crosby Ravensworth, said: “Undoubtedly Crosby Ravensworth has the ‘X Factor’ and our community spirit is alive and kicking. We are working collectively to drive our community forward with many residents taking on a variety of roles to make things happen. We have welcomed visits by Rory Stewart Mp, Nick Hurd MP and Lord Wei to Crosby Ravensworth to see the positive action that our community is taking and we are delighted to be part of the Big Society idea.”
The government has also highlighted the Upper Eden Community Plan which covers 17 parishes and includes Kirkby Stephen Town Council. The government are keen to see what can be done to help the delivery of broadband in rural areas and assist the community in the delivery of the community centre.
Tom Woof, the Chairman of the Upper Eden Community Planning Group, said: “This announcement both acknowledges and vindicates the work done by the Upper Eden Community Plan Group, its constituent Parishes, and others who have helped our Community Plan so far. It is a dream come true for any Community Group to be given a hotline to Government to help us overcome any problems we encounter in delivering the projects we are developing. We look forward to working with our ‘Bureaucracy Busters’ from Whitehall, and entering a bold new phase in community empowerment.”
The overall aim of the pilots is to help the local communities by empowering them and removing unnecessary burdens of regulation with some financial support being offered by the newly created Big Society Bank.
Eden District Council’s Chief Executive, Kevin Douglas said, “We welcome the fact that we have been chosen as a pilot area, it’s an honour and acknowledges the success of the Council in working in partnership with hard working communities and a range of other bodies. It is hoped that this will be a further opportunity to continue and build upon our work with local communities and places the area in a strong position to access funds from the Big Society Bank.”
Read more about Community Planning. For more information about Eden District Council visit www.eden.gov.uk or tel: 01768 817817.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information contact: Eden Disrict Council's Communication Officer tel: 01768 212137 or mobile: 077159 90460.
Eden District Council has 38 elected members and is the most sparsely populated district in England and Wales. The District area covers 830 square miles and has scenic landscapes, historic market towns, excellent tourist facilities and vibrant communities. The Council’s strategic aim is: To Best Serve the People of Eden.
