The Local Government Act introduces a duty for
local authorities to develop comprehensive community strategies to
promote or improve the social, economic and environmental
well-being of their areas and contribute to the achievement of
sustainable development in the UK.
The duty to prepare a community strategy is part
of the Government's wider programme of democratic renewal and
reform which aims to ensure that Councils are accountable, open and
responsive to the needs of local communities and that there is
continuous improvement in the efficiency and quality of
services.
Whilst the guidance is not prescriptive about the
timescale or process it does set out the following as given
objectives and principles:
Objectives:
- Allow local communities (based on geography
and/or interest) to articulate their aspirations, needs and
priorities
- Co-ordinate the actions of the council, and of
the public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations
that operate locally.
- Focus and shape existing and future activity of
those organisations so that they effectively meet community needs
and aspirations
- Contribute to the achievement of sustainable
development both locally and more widely.
A Community strategy must have four key components:
- A long term vision for the area focusing on the
outcomes that are to be achieved.
- An action plan identifying shorter-term
priorities and activities that will contribute to the achievement
of long term outcomes.
- A shared commitment to implement the action
plan and proposals for doing so.
- Arrangements for monitoring and review and for
reporting progress to local communities.
The guidance includes the following underpinning
principles:
- Engage and involve local communities
- Involve active participation of councillors
within and outside the executive
- Be prepared and implemented by a broad 'local
strategic partnership' ie in partnership with stakeholders.
- Be based on a proper assessment of needs and the
availability of resources.
The guidance also emphasises the promotion of
equality of opportunity. The guidance states that the Community
Strategy should provide a vision for 10-15 years hence. The
guidance recommends that the Strategy should be updated every three
to five years.
On behalf of Eden District Council, Eden Local
Strategic Partnership has refreshed the
Community Strategy
(PDF: 1.68Kb / 16 pages) through the production of an
Action Plan (PDF:
1.55Kb / 16 pages).
For further information
- Contact: Local Strategic
Partnership Officer, Town Hall, Penrith CA11 7QF
- Telephone: (01768) 817817
- Email:
lsp.services@eden.gov.uk
- Fax: (01768) 890470
