A majority of Lewisham residents agree that local assemblies provide them with an ongoing and useful forum to influence Council decisions. The assemblies were introduced in all 18 wards in the borough in March 2008 to enable local people to have a stronger and more direct influence in shaping their local community.
A review of residents’ feedback, published recently by Lewisham Council, shows that residents are overwhelmingly supportive and positive about the assemblies:
- 72% of those who attended assemblies over the past year agreed they allow them to influence decisions.
- 90% of people agreed that assemblies allowed them to understand more about local issues.
- 82% agreed that assemblies bring people from different backgrounds together.
Assemblies have worked with local ward councillors and borough partners such as the Police, Primary Care Trust, and voluntary and community groups, to solve a range of issues in their neighbourhood. Work undertaken includes: a review on Controlled Parking Zones; traffic flow and safety improvements; action to tackle antisocial behaviour; improved access to community facilities such as community halls and sporting facilities; and helping to inform safer neighbourhood team policing priorities.
Councillor Chris Best, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The hard work being put in by the many people taking part in assemblies is making a real difference. Assemblies are helping to meet the needs of Lewisham's diverse cultures and ethnic groups, old and young alike.
“Assemblies offer the community a chance to find out more about what's going on in their area, give people a voice and provide a forum to work with councillors and others to be 'change makers' in their area. They are also providing a valuable tool for community action - something we hope to see grow over the coming months and years.”
Since May 2009, all 18 of Lewisham's local assemblies have also been busy allocating their £50,000 Mayor's Fund. A total of £900,000 has been allocated to community projects and ward improvements to meet priorities identified and set by the community themselves. Projects that have been funded include: community, cultural and sporting events; community gardens; street and park improvements; activities for young people; a school and community green wardens scheme; internet cafes; and education and training projects.
Assemblies have been extremely well attended and have drawn interest from a broad cross-section of Lewisham's diverse communities. Since the programme began in March 2008, numbers have steadily increased with over 7,500 people attending so far.
Following a recent inspection by the Audit Commission, Lewisham’s local assemblies were held up as a model of good practice in community engagement and empowerment of local people, helping to achieve 'Green Flag' status for the borough. The Audit Commission reported: “This is an area where local partners perform excellently. Empowering and involving local people is at the heart of the way public sector partners work in Lewisham to improve the area as a place to live.” (Lewisham Area Assessment: p13, 09.12.09)
Read the Audit Commission’s “Lewisham Area Assessment” in full (external website, PDF).