Features, PublicNet: 23 May, 2008
By Dave Adamson and Richard Bromiley
Community empowerment is a desirable aim and a White Paper is due shortly setting out how it will be promoted. The authors looked at where community empowerment is now and found that current structures are not very supportive. They found that local authorities and other public bodies, where the power lies now, are failing to respond to the community agenda. Local strategic partnerships and local service boards are not structured to connect with communities. No evidence was found of significant mainstream ‘programme bending’ where statutory agencies prioritised actions and expenditure.
The conclusion is that it is possible to achieve community empowerment but there will need to be policy changes and resources from government.
Read more on COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN PRACTICE…