Monday, 31 October 2005

Community engagement and local leadership

The Commission for Rural Communities has published Community engagement and local leadership: the role for parish and town councils, a leaflet on good practice. The recommendations cover the following:

  • to foster the capacity of parish and town councils;
  • to build effective partnerships with parish and town councils;
  • to involve parish and town councils in neighbourhood development;
  • to build the confidence and skills of individuals within communities;
  • to manage grant funding schemes effectively;
  • to guarantee consistency and joined-up policy making;
  • to give parish and town councils the power to promote local wellbeing.

Quite interesting to see that last one crop up. Under the Local Government Act 2000, principal authorities have the power to promote or improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area, but I believe it's been little used. If the power were extended to parish and town councils, would it be used, and make a difference?

31 Oct 2005 18:45:55 | Citizenship and democracy, Governance and participation

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