Let’s Party! Council backs axing of street party red tape

 

Cheshire East Council has wholeheartedly backed a government decision to axe red tape that gets in the way of communities organising street parties and other celebrations.

It follows news that Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has succeeded in his quest to ban the reams of forms, high costs and bureaucracy surrounding community-organised events.

From now on, instead of organisers being met with endless, confusing guidelines on food licences, road closures and insurance, councils can ask street party organisers to complete one simple form.

Previously, some small community groups were asked to apply for up to five separate licences and found it tricky to get upfront advice on what to do. They also found out about hidden costs right at the last minute, causing delays or cancellations to community events.

Cheshire East Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, praised the move saying: “This is great news for all communities across Cheshire East.

“Street parties, fetes and fairs should be about fun and everyone's energy should go into making them fun – not trawling through endless reams of guidance and complicated rules.

“These kinds of events are potentially powerful in developing a vital community ethos among people of all ages and backgrounds.

“There is still time for people to get together and celebrate with their neighbours this summer. The Council may be able to help you close a road for a proper street party. If not, you can hold still something in a garden or even a park.

“It's your community, so celebrate it.”

For most small organised street parties that don't affect the wider road network, there is no requirement in law for local authorities to advertise proposed closures or carry out consultations. Neither are specific signs or other traffic management equipment required. 

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, welcomed the government decision and said: “This is a victory for common sense. Traditional street parties are a terrific way for neighbours to have fun and get to know each other better.

“Local authorities should act proportionately, wisely, and in the public interest – and highways laws do not present any barriers to that.”

Some easy, good practice guidance has been agreed in a new leaflet which will be published by the government in September and be made available online and from town halls.

Mr Pickles will make it clear in the new leaflet that there are no dusty, central laws restricting councils from taking a common sense approach to administrating events. He will explode the myth that councils are required by law to advertise and charge massive fees for small road closures ­– potentially saving organisers thousands of pounds.

Chris Gittins, director of street party campaign group Streets Alive, said: “At last the red tape is being cut on road closures and the bunting can go up on building community spirit through street parties. After years of campaigning on this the government is listening to us.

“Though there is more to do, it is a great step for common sense and a chance to open up the country to the simple pleasure of meeting your neighbours in your traffic-free street.”