What is the Community Right to Challenge?
The Localism Act 2011 created the Community Right to Challenge, which gives community and voluntary sector organisations and groups of council staff the right to ‘challenge’ local authorities by putting forward an expression of interest in running local services.
A successful challenge would result in a competitive procurement exercise in which the challenger would be able to take part along with other interested organisations.
The Community Right to Challenge came into force on 27 June 2012.
Who can express an interest to run a council service?
The following groups can express an interest:
- a voluntary or community body;
- a body of persons or a trust which is established for charitable purposes only;
- a parish council;
- two or more employees of the council; or;
- any other person or body specified by the Secretary of State by regulations.
Are all services covered by the Right to Challenge?
The Community Right to Challenge applies to all relevant services. A relevant service is a service provided by or on behalf of the council in the exercise of its functions. More information on the definition of a relevant service is set out in our Community Right to Challenge guidance, which is available below.
If you are unsure whether a particular service is open to challenge, please check the guidance or contact Mark Brookes, Assistant Director, Legal and Democratic Services at the address below.
Community Right to Challenge Guidance Paper (PDF 726KB)
Submitting an expression of interest
We will consider expressions of interest for any relevant service at any time, although time periods may be introduced in the future.
Any relevant body who wishes to express an interest in running a service should complete the expression of interest form (PDF 294KB). The form will identify the information needed to help us make a decision on applications. Completed forms and relevant information should be emailed or posted to: mark.brookes@dacorum.gov.uk
Mark Brookes - Assistant Director, Legal and Democratic Services, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1DN