Empowerment proposals to build community organisations

The long awaited community empowerment White Paper was published by the Communities and Local Government Department last week (9th July).

The stated intention in the first paragraph is "to pass power into the hands of local communities. We want to generate vibrant local democracy in every part of the country, and to give real control over local decisions and services to a wider pool of active citizens." Go to the main page for 'Communities in control: real people, real power' or download the full White Paper (pdf, 1.72MB) from http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/886045.pdf.

The largest single programme proposed is a £70 million Communitybuilders fund, to help community organisations grow and thrive, which is jointly funded with the Office of the Third Sector and should begin in Spring 2009 - http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/news/news_stories/080709_community.aspx. Also see Consultation section above. Detailed reactions from sector bodies were still to come at newsletter production time.

Community asset transfer pilot schemes were also announced - the West Midlands press release for example is here: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=373357&NewsAreaID=2. 'Managing Risks in Asset Transfer: A Guide', practical guide to help local authorities and community organisations more effectively manage the risks involved, has also been published, http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/managingrisks.