Communities Secretary Hazel Blears published an empowerment action plan - setting out how the Government will deliver on its commitment to bring about greater devolution and empower communities.
The action plan, produced in partnership with the Local Government Association, makes clear how more people will be given more power over their communities in everything from tackling antisocial behaviour, managing social housing, tackling litter and fly tipping and improving playgrounds and parks. Funding of £35 million will back up the actions in the plan and support the successful delivery of the community empowerment agenda.
Eighteen councils - two from every region of the country - are to act as 'empowerment champions'. Already pioneering a range of people power measures, these councils will work with other areas of the country to show empowerment in practice, share the lessons they have learned and help others to revive their local democracy through twinning programmes and regional empowerment road shows.
The action plan will dramatically expand and accelerate the programmes currently underway at both central and local government level to devolve more power to local people.
The plan also includes community kitties in every local authority. At the moment at least ten local authorities are piloting participatory budgeting - giving people a direct say in how public funding should be spent. The ambition is that within five years residents in every local authority area should be given a direct say in how money is spent. Communities and Local Government will consult on how best to make this happen.
Housing officers are often the key to promoting neighbourhoods where people from different backgrounds are accepted and share similar opportunities.
A newly-revised guide from the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Housing Corporation shows how housing professionals can use their regular contact with members of different communities to promote interaction and diffuse tensions.
Community Cohesion and Housing A Good Practice Guide, which was published at a seminar in London, aims to help housing organisations, housing professionals and the residents they work with achieve more cohesive communities.
Recent concerns about cohesion breaking down after the London bombings in July 2005 and media controversy about levels of migration led to the appointment of the Independent Commission on Integration and Cohesion, chaired by Darra Singh, which reported in June 2007.
This new edition of the good practice guide reflects the Commissions recommendations and gives up-to-date advice to housing professionals.
One of the Commissions key themes is that society is changing rapidly, sometimes in areas of the country that have not previously experienced much change. The guide focuses strongly on examples that reflect the new diversity of British towns and cities and the issues that arise for housing and other professionals.