Services to be delegated locally

Pilot schemes for town and parish councils throughout Wiltshire to take over services from Wiltshire Council are to be announced at cabinet on Monday, May 24.

All town and parish councils were sent a questionnaire asking what services they currently provide, and which ones they would like to take over. This is part of the Wiltshire Council commitment to create stronger and more resilient communities.

More than 240 parish councils were contacted and 44 of these expressed an interest to look after additional services. All 16 town councils and Salisbury City Council wish to take on other services.

Dick Tonge, cabinet member for highways, said: I'm pleased we are making progress with these pilots. As they are the first phase of the scheme, we will be concentrating on four services, allotments, public conveniences, public open spaces and play areas.

If they are successful we will be looking at ways of rolling them out across the county. I'm very keen to find ways of delegating services to local councils to make decision making and responsibility closer to the community.”

Leader of the council, Jane Scott added: We made a commitment as a council to ensure local decisions are made by local people. This is a prime example of how we are putting our pledge into action.”

Proposals to transfer the control of allotments in Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, and the transfer of play areas in Collingbourne Ducis are currently being finalised.

Bradford on Avon Town Council also expressed an interest to manage and maintain the allotments owned by the Col William Llewellyn Palmer Trust at Sladesbrook.

Salisbury City Council and five town councils are looking to take on the running of public conveniences.

Wiltshire Council is talking to Collingbourne Ducis Parish Council regarding the delegation of maintenance and transfer of the assets of the Saunders Meadow and Saxon Rise play areas. Other councils have expressed an interest in taking over play areas, these will be considered following the pilot at Collingbourne Ducis.