New policy paper proves Community Led Planning works! [26.10.09]

In the current climate, local communities are changing as the result of global challenges and constraints to public spending. Increasingly, it is argued that the resilience and sustainability of these communities can be improved by reinvigorating local democracy; by giving people a much greater say in the decisions that directly affect their lives.

This is the key message of a new policy paper produced by ACRE. Using evidence drawn from across the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN), it demonstrates how Community Led Planning offers a unique framework for encouraging genuine community empowerment.

The paper argues that when communities are provided with opportunities to come together and explore local priorities, they are more likely to be able to take action for themselves and address important issues such as local service provision, climate change and resource depletion. It will be a useful resource for anyone looking to learn more about Community Led Planning and its potential to contribute to a more empowered, less dependant and sustainable society.

The paper forms part of a suite of 10 ‘policy position papers’ produced by ACRE that demonstrate the diverse work of RCAN members.

ACRE’s policy paper about Community Led Planning can be downloaded here.