Engaging and empowering residents

The Communities and Local Government Strong and Prosperous Communities – The Local Government White Paper aims to support citizens who want to make a difference, to their own lives and to the communities where they live. It also aims to enable local authorities to lead their communities, shape areas and bring people together, providing more freedom to respond to local needs and focus on top priorities. The Paper sets out measures such as:
. Enhancing the right of local people to be heard, by extending the Community Calls for Action to local government services
Encouraging the use of local charters
Simplifying and extending the scope of tenant managementCreating a new duty so that local authorities are required to take steps, where appropriate, to ensure the participation of local citizens, local voluntary and community groups and businesses

The commitments set out in the White Paper will be progressed in 2007. It is important that all sections of the community (including young people, people with disabilities, the voluntary & community sector and hard-to-reach groups) are given the opportunity to have a say in how their local area develops. Further information is available at www.communities.gov.uk

Local Area Partnerships

LAPs, also known as Area Forums and Regeneration Area Partnerhsips etc, have been used by some local authorities to devolve power to localised areas. They comprise of a range of members suited to local needs, which may include multi agencies, community based organisations and community representation including residents. Usually the partnerships are led by the local authority and in some cases link into the local strategic partnership, but they can also be member led. The partnerships meet regularly to solve specific area needs and some have their own budgets.

Involving social housing tenants

Empowering and involving tenants is central to the government's aim of providing decent homes for those renting from social housing landlords. Tenants who have the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day management of their properties and the strategic decision-making process are more likely to take pride in their neighbourhood and to work with their landlord in solving problems and making improvements.

Working with residents to improve behaviour

The Respect Standard for Housing Management draws on best practice to give an effective response to anti-social behaviour and to build stronger communities through accountability, leadership and greater resident empowerment. The standard is built around six core commitments:

Accountability, leadership, and commitment
Empowering and reassuring residents
Prevention and early intervention
Tailored services for residents and provision of support for victims and witnesses – every person deserves a robust, tailored and sensitive response
Protecting communities through swift enforcement
Support to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour