A project aimed at giving communities more control over the services which matter to them has been given a £1.4m funding boost. The Durham Ask project – launched by Durham County Council in February – was set up to transform the way local services are provided.
It aims to encourage and support local groups and organisations interested in taking over the ownership and management of some services, and it builds on earlier work with community and leisure centres.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for community organisations in County Durham which are interested in taking over the running of services which matter most to them.
“The funding means we can support local groups in developing the skills, experience and resources they need to take on these important services.
“We have already gained valuable experience through our ongoing community buildings project – one of the largest asset transfer programmes in the country – which has led to some major improvements in a number of community centres across the county.
“We now aim to build on this experience and work together with interested community organisations to bring about further changes to the way in which local services are provided.”
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “At a time when we have to make savings totalling £224m it is increasingly difficult for us to continue to provide some services at the same level as before. That’s why it is essential that we find new ways of working in partnership with communities in order to ensure these services can continue.
“Using this funding we can ensure that advice and support is made available to those groups, organisations and teams of volunteers who are interested in getting involved in the management of services in their areas.”
People who are interested in finding out more about getting involved in services in their area can contact Durham County Council on 03000 268 055 or by emailing Comm.Assets@durham.gov.uk