A delegation from Uzbekistan has visited DCN and Brentwood Borough Council to learn about how district councils work with communities at a local level.
The delegation included the Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan – a body representing Uzbek local government – parliamentary representatives, and local officials from the Uzbek capital Tashkent.
During Wednesday’s visit, the delegation met with DCN to discuss how district councils operate, share best practice, and engage with their communities. They then met Brentwood’s officer leadership to explore how a district council delivers services and works with residents.
The visit focused on practical aspects of local governance, community engagement, and how councils collaborate with town and parish councils and other local organisations.
Javdatkhon Inagamov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Mahallas, said: “The mahalla is a unique institution that brings communities together and ensures local voices are heard in decision-making.“ He noted the similarities between mahallas and England’s approach to local governance through district and parish councils.
Charlotte Maguire, Senior Policy Adviser at DCN, said: “This visit provided a valuable opportunity to share how district councils operate at a local level and engage with their communities. We were pleased to facilitate learning between our two countries and examine our approaches to local governance.”
