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My Norwich

Community right to challenge

One of the main requirements of the act is to introduce new powers for local communities, including a Community Right to Challenge.

Under the Act, a defined 'relevant body' such as a charitable organisation, voluntary or community body or a town or parish council will be able to express an interest in providing a local authority service subject to certain exceptions.

Under the new law, councils must respond to this challenge and consider the positive impact the proposal could have on the community.

If a challenge is rejected the council must publish the reasons for this. When a challenge is accepted the council must run a competitive procurement process.

If you are considering making a challenge please contact the council first for an initial discussion.  It may be that there are alternative ways of achieving the outcomes you are seeking.

Annual timetable for making a challenge

1 March to 30 April:    Expressions of interest must be received by Norwich City Council.
1 May to 31 July:        Evaluation and determination of expressions of interest.
September:                Cabinet report on expressions and recommended decisions.
Late September:        Notification of cabinet decisions.

Assuming acceptance of the expression

1 Oct to 31 Dec:        Preparation of tender documents and procurement process
1 Jan to 30 Sept:       Procurement process
1 Oct to 31 Dec:        Mobilisation with selected supplier
1 April:                       Contract start date

Additional information and guidance for relevant bodies in support of a challenge:

Expression of interest form
Guidance information

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