Background

Neighbourhood Management is a relatively new way of working.  Since 2001, the government has funded 35 'pathfinder' schemes to test the approach.  Here in Wakefield we are piloting neighbourhood management in 3 of the most deprived areas across the district as part of the Wakefield Local Area Agreement.

• Agbrigg & Belle Vue
• Kinsley & Fitzwilliam
• Airedale & Ferry Fryston

Follow the links for more information

The Challenge

To create successful, sustainable communities, it is clear that the people who live in them must have a say in how they are shaped.  Residents must have a say if strong, stable, cohesive communities are to emerge and remain.

Meeting the Challenge

There is strong evidence that neighbourhood management can help deliver all these objectives.  It can:

• Involve local residents in shaping their areas, giving communities greater influence over local decisions
• Increase resident's satisfaction with their area
• Make areas cleaner and safer
• Promote Community Cohesion
• Help service providers work more efficiently and effectively

What it is

Neighbourhood Management means residents working in partnership with mainstream service providers, the local authority, businesses and the voluntary and community sectors, to make local services more responsive to the needs of their area.  It is a process which recognises the uniqueness of each place; allowing the people that live, work or provide services in it to build on its strengths and address its specific challenges.  Operating in a defined area and at a scale that people identify with, crucial to its success is the neighbourhood manager; advocate, mediator, facilitator, influencer and negotiator for positive change.

What it isn't

It doesn't involve large amounts of money - it is about making existing budgets work smarter

It is not a 'one size fits all' answer - it adapts to the uniqueness of each place

It does not mean paying lip service to residents - they have a direct role in bringing about change

It is not a short term fix - but about achieving lasting, sustainable transformation