Context
The Barcelona Provincial Council supports 311 local councils across the province, each facing unique challenges. Smaller councils, like those with 500 inhabitants, may struggle to afford essential services such as water quality testing or lack the technical expertise for environmental initiatives. Larger councils, for example those with 50 000 inhabitants, managing numerous programmes, may find it difficult to access needed resources efficiently. To address these disparities, the Barcelona Provincial Council established the Local Government Network Plan (LG Network Plan) in 2000. This plan provided financial and technical assistance to local councils, promoting their autonomy and ensuring quality services for all citizens.
While initially successful, the LG Network Plan faced several limitations over time. It lacked transparency, with funding allocation and programme availability unclear to participating councils. This led to uncertainty and inefficiencies, hindering long-term planning and collaboration. Recognising these issues, the Barcelona Provincial Council embarked on a project to revitalise the cooperation model.
Objectives
In late 2019, the Barcelona Provincial Council launched ‘Concertem en Xarxa’, a project aimed at revising and improving the local cooperation model. This initiative emphasised transparency, active listening and empowering local councils. The project involved extensive consultations with stakeholders, including local council representatives and technical experts. The project aimed to create a more predictable and sustainable model that catered to the diverse needs of the province.
Implementation
The Concertem en Xarxa project led to significant improvements in the LG Network Plan. The Service Catalogue now offers a wider range of services, including technical assistance, financial support and access to materials. The allocation of resources is now transparent and objective, based on publicly available criteria. Additionally, the project streamlined procedures and reduced administrative burdens for local councils.
These changes have had a positive impact on all levels. Smaller councils, such as the one with 500 inhabitants, can now rely on consistent water quality testing services. Larger councils have better access to funding for projects aligned with sustainability goals, such as installing solar panels or building social housing. Overall, the renewed cooperation model has fostered a more resilient and collaborative provincial landscape.