Lead up to
new city region
June 2010
We’re leading the way in, well, Leeds. Our engagement team is working with Leeds Tenant Federation to find residents to shape the new city region and give local people direct input to plans.
City regions are a new approach to government. They involve partnerships of councils working together on strategic planning, housing, regeneration, transport, employment and innovation. Leeds is one of the pilots - covering the city council and ten surrounding authorities - and it’s the first in the UK to comprehensively map social housing providers and resident groups across its operating area.
Through branding, PR, focus groups and consultation sessions, The Bridge Group is offering residents the best chance to understand what the UK’s first city region is about and how they can influence its work. The launch event attracted more than 50 local people.
Plans are now afoot to complete an e-shot campaign to reach local decision makers via The Network's contacts.
Linda McNeil, Chair at Leeds Tenants’ Federation, said: “The intention of The Network is to give people a voice and allow them to reach the ears - and wallets - of the decision-makers. We want to help people share their concerns, ideas and experience.
"When times are economically tough then it’s all the more important that people get to shape the future of the services they receive. By giving the Leeds City Region a list of priorities we can help ensure what money there is available is spent well."
Rachel Burkitt, the Bridge Group 's engagement specialist leading the project, said: "The people registering will not be majoring on high level strategy but telling us what concerns they have on a local level. "That's what is great about the new network. It's totally resident-led.
"It's about, 'Let's get this thing going off our own bats'." It is hoped any information gathered will be used to influence the work of Leeds City Region and determine future priorities.
Members will be able to give their views by phone, email or via the Leeds Tenants' Federation website.
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