Unleashing the Power of Data for the 15-Minute Neighbourhood Concept (Guest blog by IEG4)
Councils hold a wealth of information within Graphical Information Systems (GIS), internal databases, spreadsheets and unstructured and structured data within web pages.
Opening up and presenting this information to stakeholders via a "find my nearest" service can be time-consuming and laborious. However, unleashing this rich-resource data can promote revenue-generating council assets such as Leisure Centres and Arts Venues whilst supporting local businesses. It can also reduce the area’s carbon footprint by promoting walking routes to destinations within a certain radius of the community.
This multi-beneficial functionality can positively impact the health and well-being of stakeholders within the area and helps drive better community engagement and resilience.
Enabling self-sufficiency
Over the last few years, the "15-minute neighbourhood" concept has gained significant attention in urban planning circles worldwide. A 15-minute neighbourhood is an area where stakeholders can walk, cycle, or utilise public transport to meet all their daily needs, such as shops, libraries, schools, parks, and other amenities; all within 15 minutes.
The spotlight has shone on this concept even more during, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, as it highlights and accelerates the need for local communities to be self-sufficient, resilient and resourceful.
For local authorities, the concept of a 15-minute neighbourhood could be a valuable tool to help address a range of issues, such as reducing car dependency and encouraging positive protective environmental actions, improving public health, bringing people together and creating more sustainable communities.
Championing the Community
Unlocking the data held by local authorities and making it accessible to residents, so they can find and access the services they need to support their well-being, will empower stakeholders to take a more active role in their community. They can access information about the services available to them and the events happening around them.
In a dynamic shift towards fostering stronger community connections, UK councils are also embracing an innovative approach that encourages citizens to rely less on traditional services and instead embrace community-based solutions. Recognising the immense power of local communities, councils are actively working to empower individuals and neighbourhoods to take charge of their own well-being and support networks.
By championing the concept of self-sufficiency and community collaboration, councils are reshaping how services are delivered. They promote the idea that neighbours can assist one another - building stronger bonds and nurturing a sense of belonging.
This transformative approach aims to tap into the wealth of skills, resources, and knowledge that exist within communities, harnessing their potential to provide support, care, and assistance to those in need.
Through community-based initiatives, citizens are given the opportunity to actively participate in shaping their own environments. From organising local events and activities, to setting up neighbourhood networks, individuals are empowered to make a positive impact and address the specific needs of their communities. By fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, councils are nurturing a more inclusive and resilient society.
This shift towards community-based solutions not only strengthens social ties but also promotes a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to service provision. By leveraging the collective strengths and talents of community members, councils can redirect resources towards areas that truly require intervention. Simultaneously they encourage self-reliance and reduce reliance on traditional services.
In this exciting era of community empowerment, UK councils are working hand in hand with citizens to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. By embracing this new paradigm, individuals can become active agents of change, fostering a sense of pride and unity within their communities. Together, councils and citizens are creating a future where the power of community can flourish, profoundly impacting the lives of all who call the UK home.
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