High rates of community participation
The experience of members in the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) shows that participation in Community Led Plans is remarkably high. Normally, 60-80% of households get involved. The support and resources provided by RCAN members ensures that the process is inclusive, with specific effort made to engage people who may find it difficult to get involved in the life of their community.
New volunteers, new community groups and renewed interest in community wellbeing
As Community Led Plans gather momentum, more and more volunteers lend their time and energy to the process, realising the collective contribution they can make to improve things locally. This renewed interest in community wellbeing can also result in new community groups being set up, ensuring that people continue to work and socialise together long after the plan has been finalised and the projects implemented.
Deliberative decision-making
Critical to the success of any Community Led Plan is extensive deliberation between individuals and community groups, with input from external organisations and service providers where appropriate. CLP’s structured approach counters NIMBY attitudes as everyone is provided with the chance to share their views and listen to the needs and concerns of others before reaching collective solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
Constructive dialogue with local authorities and other service providers
Local authorities and other service providers can benefit from CLP if they engage with community groups throughout the process. Providing expert advice and supporting the delivery of some projects, they are able to make sure that the energy and commitment of volunteers compliments broader strategies, informing the transfer of services and assets to communities where appropriate.
New local projects and services taken on by the community
Projects resulting from CLP are diverse and encompass actions that relate to the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the local area. These can range from a litter-pick, the setting up of a youth club, mounting of a community-based emergency plan to proposals for the development of new affordable housing. Many of these projects can be implemented by the community itself. For example, during seven years in the East of England region, a database used by RCAN members listed 231 communities that had produced plans, between them containing over 9,000 individual projects that could improve their local area. 47% of these projects were able to be taken on by the community themselves without external support. Of the remainder, 34% required negotiation with public service providers to bring them to fruition.
ACRE has a number of case studies that demonstrate how Community Led Plans work in practice drawing on the experience of RCAN members. To view these, please click here.
