Closer to people and places‘, is a Local Government Association document calling for a bold devolution of power from central government to a revitalised local government. It makes the case for strengthened local democracy to give people power and influence over their lives, their services and the future of the places where they live. This guide sets out how councils can take stock of their arrangements for devolving to communities and local organisations and for empowering the public to influence their lives and local services.
The guide acknowledges that this will mean each council putting in place the arrangements they believe to be appropriate for their area, but suggests that there are a small number of essential basics that every council must consider and address. It identifies and discusses five themes involved in taking stock and taking action: knowing your communities and neighbourhoods; active engagement of local people; delivering community-centred services; devolving power and strengthening that of local councillors; and putting it all together.

Local Government Association
Phone: +44 20 7664 3131
info@lga.gov.uk

01/07/2006

policy

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation