Barlaston First Responders, who provide a life-saving service, have benefitted from LMIS. Councillor Ian Parry is pictured (left) with a volunteer.

"Pioneering County scheme should go national," says report

A new report is calling for a pioneering Staffordshire County Council scheme to be adopted nationally.

The influential Local Government Association (LGA) issued the report on the future of local government, entitled Closer to People and Places.

One of the key recommendations is for local councillors to be given an individual budget of up to £10,000  to spend on community projects in their area.

This mirrors Staffordshire County Council's Local Member's Initiative Scheme (LMIS), launched in 2001.

Terry Dix, Leader of the County Council said: "The LMIS is a ground-breaking Staffordshire scheme and I am delighted the LGA is championing this cause.

"LMIS gives local empowerment and full recognition to the fact that local members know the priorities on their patch and are in-touch with the needs of their communities, organisations and associations.

Since it was launched it has benefited hundreds of community schemes in Staffordshire, ranging from youth groups to environmental projects."

The main stipulation is that projects receiving grants should link to one or more of the County Council's six key aims: improving social care and health; developing a learning county; creating a safe and attractive environment; promoting economic success; focussing on people communities and being a well managed and inclusive county.

Each County Councillor has an annual LMIS budget of £10,000. It can be used for a single grant or a number of small grants. Members can also join together to make a joint grant if schemes cross their divisional boundaries.

Cllr Dix added: "The sums involved are often quite modest, but frequently they make the difference between a local project getting off the ground successfully or folding. It can also attract match-funding.

"Staffordshire County Council is putting enormous emphasis on partnership working and working more closely with individuals and groups at a very local level. LMIS is a superb example of this and we are proud to have led where others may soon follow."

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:03:37

Back to top