New Local
New Local, formerly known as the New Local Government Network, is an independent think tank and local government network with a mission to transform public services and unlock community power. It was founded in 1996, and is currently based in London. It is home to a network of 60+ councils and other organisations, united in a drive to create sustainable, inclusive and community-powered public services.
| Formation | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Type | Think tank |
| Purpose | Local government reform |
| Location | |
Region served | United Kingdom |
Chief Executive | Adam Lent |
| Website | www |
New Local's research blends policy and practice to tackle some of the most pressing issues the we face today. New Local believes that many of our big national challenges can only be effectively tackled locally, through public service reform, economic resilience and revitalising democracy.
Its current chief executive is Adam Lent, previously the Director of the RSA Action and Research Centre, Head of Economics and Social Affairs at the Trades Union Congress and Director of Research and Innovation at Ashoka.
The Community Paradigm
At the heart of New Local's work is the belief in community power – the idea that people themselves should have more power and resources to shape their own futures. This imagines very different, collaborative ways of working for public services, and a much more decentralised system of governance.
Its seminal 2019 publication The Community Paradigm[1] proposes a fundamental shift of power and resources towards the people, places and communities.
This 'paradigm shift' is needed because:
- Public services today face a threat of rising demand.[2] They are struggling to cope with a rapidly aging population, combined with reducing resources.
- Faith in democratic legitimacy and central Government is declining.[3]
- People expect to exercise more control over their day-to-day lives – and can do so using technology.
New Local believes that people and communities themselves have the best insight into their own situation, and public services need to work with and recognise this if they are to be fit for purpose and sustainable into the future.
There are many places in the UK and across the world where community power is beginning to flourish.[4] Here, people are taking matters into their own hands – often working in partnership with public services and local government to build better services and places to live.
Notable publications
Think Big, Act Small: Think Big, Act Small: Elinor Ostrom’s radical vision for community power
This Isn’t Working: reimagining employment support for people facing complex disadvantage
Communities vs. Coronavirus: The Rise of Mutual Aid
Cultivating Local Inclusive Growth: In Practice
From Tiny Acorns: Communities Shaping the Future of Children’s Services
Community Commissioning: Shaping Public Services through People Power
The Community Paradigm: Why public services need radical change and how it can be achieved
Membership
New Local's network comprises councils across England of all tiers and with diverse political leadership; and corporate partners.
Network members are united by their appetite for innovation, a willingness to embrace change and passion to simply do things better. Frequent peer-led events give members the opportunity to meet to explore different ways of working and new approaches.
New Local's network also inspires much of its research work, which frequently draws examples and case studies from members.
Current members of the board[5]
- Donna Hall, Chair of Bolton NHS Trust, (Chair)
- Chris Ham, Co-Chair, NHS Assembly
- Claire Kennedy, Managing Director and Co-founder, PPL
- Adam Lent, Chief Executive, New Local
- Catherine Mangan, Director, Public Services Academy
- Jacqui McKinlay, Director, Centre for Governance and Scrutiny
- Robert Pollock, Director of Social Finance
- Tony Travers, Director of LSE London
Former directors include Simon Parker and Chris Leslie, former Labour MP for Shipley, between 2005 and his re-election to Parliament for Nottingham East in the general election of 2010. Dan Corry was Director between 2002 and 2005.[6]
References
- "Community Paradigm". New Local. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- "StackPath". www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- "Survey: Trust in British government has dropped to lowest level in decades". POLITICO. 2020-10-08. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- "Community Power: What the evidence tells us". New Local. 2020-10-12. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
- "Board Members Archive - New Local". New Local. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
- "Education move for thinktank leader". TheGuardian.com. 20 May 2005.