This report builds on the review of support for community capacity building and the responses to the consultation. It embraces both geographical communities, neighbourhoods and parishes, as well as communities of people with a common interest or identity. It identifies the underlying principles and puts forward priority areas for a cross- Government plan of action to support community capacity building more effectively.The review highlighted the fact that the Government will only achieve many of its objectives if it fully involves citizens and communities. This means investing in successful efforts to build the skills, abilities, knowledge and confidence of people and community groups, to enable them to take effective action and play leading roles in the development of their communities. It also means expanding learning and development within public services, so that professionals, practitioners and policy-makers are better equipped to engage with citizens and communities.

Priorities for action include development of a much more comprehensive and coherent menu of learning opportunities for community engagement and targeting of efforts to build strong, sustainable community anchor organisations which can provide a crucial focus and support for community development. It also argues for the promotion of local action-planning as a vital tool for involving citizens and community groups.

The report is published by the Home Office and is available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs3/ho_firm_foundations0812.pdf