How to champion a local project
There are a number of issues that any local project needs to deal with. It has to build the trust and support of local communities as well as decision-makers. There is often a role for central government as well. What are the key issues that local project champions should consider?
I recently spoke at the 16th Annual Light Rail Conference and was asked to reflect on the challenges for the sector in a panel discussion, ‘Reframing the Debate on Light Rail’. In the session I suggested that there were 10 issues that needed to be considered.
On reflection, these are 10 issues, in no particular order, that all local projects should be thinking about.
Stop future technology being the enemy of the present
There are challenges that need to be dealt with now and whilst a new technology may emerge, action is often required urgently. Always keep that in mind. Similarly, opponents will talk about the impact of Covid, such as on cities. Whilst this will, of course, need to be reflected, delays need to be avoided.
Why is central government involved at all?
This may be a slightly broader issue, but the long arm of Westminster and Whitehall extends to main projects and that is not just because ‘their’ money may be involved. Mayors, city regions, local authorities and others need to continue to push the devolution agenda.
Global Britain
Do not be afraid to embrace projects as part of the way in which cities and regions sell themselves globally and help to attract inward investment. That can also be useful for the local community as well.
Air quality and the environment
If we want an area to be a truly liveable and attractive place to live and work, then these issues need to be at the heart of any project. It needs to be part of an overall package.
Cost
The simplistic approach says there is no money, particularly from central government, so we cannot afford to build local projects. If that is the approach that is taken, then local government will look to London only where they end up with better returns of the type the Treasury want to see. This means that other places need to think about local support.
Private investment
Larger projects know that private capital is required, but if the new Conservative Prime Minister is focused on tax cuts and lower public spending then all ideas need to be considered: local fundraising along with the possibility of engaging the private sector. There is no doubt that monies that local authorities have will need to go towards social care and other local services so there needs to be some creativity.
Certainty of funding
Again, part of the devolution agenda is about how government needs to put long term funding solutions in place. The yearly TfL arrangements cannot help with planning. One of the reasons often cited for the failings in British Rail was not the management or the quality of the catering, but the lack of funding certainty. Governments of the day would forever raid the BR pot to pay for other commitments.
Champions
There is always a need to have champions, especially local ones, for any project.
Focus on the community
Too often schemes, especially transport ones, reflect the optimal technical requirements rather than what works best for the communities that it serves.
Sell the strengths
These can often be assumed by the technical teams drawing up the plans, but they are not always quite so obvious to stakeholders. If you take the example of light rail, then many people will never have been on a tram, so their knowledge is limited. Never make assumptions.
All these points need to complement effective local engagement and consultation. If a community isn’t part of the development, then they are highly unlikely to accept it. If the community is opposed, then political audiences too will be opposed.
All local projects need to consider these points from very outset if they are to be successful.
Stuart Thomson is Head of Public Affairs at BDB Pitmans.