Councillors to consider changes to community engagement arrangements

The changes would see the county's 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs), which have been in place since 2009, be replaced by Local Networks from April 2025.

Stronger focus on outcomes

Local Network Panels would replace the AAP Boards, retaining local decision-making and a focus on improving outcomes for their respective communities.

They would aim to adopt a more strategic and outcomes-focussed approach, drawing-up and delivering Local Network Plans based on the views of communities and making greater use of data.

Alongside this, the existing AAP Forum, made up of 15,000 people, will form a new countywide County Durham Community Network with increased opportunities to engage and help shape local network plans.

The Local Networks would aim to attract an even broader range of residents, businesses and partner organisations and would continue to provide the panels with guidance on local priorities and a sounding board to discuss local issues.

The proposed changes follow a six-week public consultation and will be considered by members of our Cabinet when they meet on Wednesday 12 July.

Independent review and consultation

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Last year we commissioned an independent review of our existing community engagement arrangements, which have been in place for 14 years.

"The independent review team undertook a really thorough piece of work over six-months and, while recognising the many strengths in the current approach, they also proposed a number of changes.

"We put those proposed changes out to a full public consultation earlier in the year to get people's view on them. We've listened very carefully and the proposals going to Cabinet next week reflect the views we've received.

"I'd like to thank everybody who responded to the consultation and look forward to reaching agreement on a new set of arrangements that will result in greater community involvement local decision making and in identifying local needs and aspirations."

What happens next?

If agreed, the new Local Networks will come into existence on April 1, 2025, with improved processes being implemented earlier than that where possible.

The impact of the changes to electoral division boundaries on the new Local Networks will be assessed following the outcome of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England review, which is expected at the end of the November.