13/08/2010 01:28 PM
Eased temporary fencing solutions could be very much part of community street parties and fetes after government plans to cut red-tape and costs relating to such events were announced.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles announced plans to streamline bureaucracy, form-filling, and unreasonable costs relating to logistics for street events and fetes.
The organisation of things such as road closures, risk assessments and temporary event notices can be so time-consuming and fraught with complexity that many communities and councils are put off from hosting events.
Mr Pickles said summer events were an integral part of British society that just needed simplifying to make organisational processes much more easier to bear.
"Summer fetes and street parties are a great British tradition that we risk losing to overbearing bureaucracy.
"When it comes to putting on street parties, it's like a red tape tombola for organisers depending on which council is processing their application.
"Of course we want people to be safe and sound but common sense has to prevail. People are being turned off getting involved due to a merry go round of forms, rules that differ from one council to the next, time and expense. It is time to get a grip, especially if we are to cultivate a sense of community, fix broken Britain and create the Big Society."
It is hoped a consistent approach across councils can be found so that good practice and transparency can prevail to make the great British summer party much more enjoyable for all.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles announced plans to streamline bureaucracy, form-filling, and unreasonable costs relating to logistics for street events and fetes.
The organisation of things such as road closures, risk assessments and temporary event notices can be so time-consuming and fraught with complexity that many communities and councils are put off from hosting events.
Mr Pickles said summer events were an integral part of British society that just needed simplifying to make organisational processes much more easier to bear.
"Summer fetes and street parties are a great British tradition that we risk losing to overbearing bureaucracy.
"When it comes to putting on street parties, it's like a red tape tombola for organisers depending on which council is processing their application.
"Of course we want people to be safe and sound but common sense has to prevail. People are being turned off getting involved due to a merry go round of forms, rules that differ from one council to the next, time and expense. It is time to get a grip, especially if we are to cultivate a sense of community, fix broken Britain and create the Big Society."
It is hoped a consistent approach across councils can be found so that good practice and transparency can prevail to make the great British summer party much more enjoyable for all.
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