For those who might have missed it in the run up to Christmas, MHCLG have produced, in addition to the prospectus, further guidance in respect of boundary and governance requirements, which as a governance lawyer I'm obviously keen to look through (I know…!) - not only to see requirements but also what past lessons might have been learnt (on which I co-wrote an article with Emma Lloyd on recently in the Municipal Journal.

It's good to see MP involvement in supporting the Chairs and Neighbourhood Boards, as this was not something required back in the ‘good old’ New Deal for Communities programme days, and more information on how Neighbourhood Boards will be formed and who should be on them to make sure they reflect the priorities of and are accountable to their local communities. With quite a lot of detail on governance requirements, including independent Chairs, governance structure requirements, even down to expenses and how it might all work.

The guidance also offers more detail on responsibilities, with local authorities being responsible for funds and for ensuring compliance with legal responsibilities, including subsidy control, state aid and public procurement regulations, etc. There's also lots on the assurance and management of funds, who does what, and what changes need to be approved by MHCLG.

So if you're a community-based organisation, a part of the community, an anchor organisation, sports club etc, MP or local authority in a Pride in Place area, this guidance is not to be missed. And if you need any advice in respect of governance, subsidy control, or procurement, then guess what - as a social purpose law firm, we'd love to use our new deal for communities experience and technical legal expertise to help.  Please contact me for advice or further information.

Register for our webinar on 22 January: Making neighbourhood change a reality 

You can also register for our upcoming webinar on mobilising neighbourhood programmes, where you’ll hear directly from the only legal experts still active in the sector with hands-on experience from the New Deal for Communities programme. This session is ideal for local authority officers, neighbourhood boards, community consultants and funders involved in place-based regeneration. You’ll gain practical insights on building impactful partnerships, establishing anchor institutions and ensuring governance compliance. Learn more and register here.