Communities urged to propose new ideas for community life and turn power assumptions 'upside down'
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has called on councils to work closely with their residents to unearth new and innovative ideas to improve their local area and make places in which people want to live, work and raise a family.
As part of the Sustainable Communities Act, the Secretary of State has invited local authorities to send in proposals on what central government can do to help improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their local areas. The innovations put forward could provide local solutions to any number of issues. For example, Communities could make proposals to:
'It's about turning assumptions about power upside down. Less of Whitehall calling the shots and more of men and women everywhere getting together and working with their council to set the agenda for what happens in their town or village - I look forward to hearing their ideas.'
Local authorities have until 31 July 2009 to submit proposals to the Local Government Association.
As part of the Sustainable Communities Act, the Secretary of State has invited local authorities to send in proposals on what central government can do to help improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their local areas. The innovations put forward could provide local solutions to any number of issues. For example, Communities could make proposals to:
- Tackle climate change at a local level - cutting energy consumption or creating more green areas for communities to cultivate
- Strengthen the local economy - finding ways in which to support local businesses and producers
- Increase social inclusion, including an increase in involvement in local democracy.
'It's about turning assumptions about power upside down. Less of Whitehall calling the shots and more of men and women everywhere getting together and working with their council to set the agenda for what happens in their town or village - I look forward to hearing their ideas.'
Local authorities have until 31 July 2009 to submit proposals to the Local Government Association.
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