More local control rolled out via Community Rights programme

Following the launch of the programme in February, government funding is now supporting a series of new programmes that allow local people to make decisions on everything from job creation to health priorities.

One of the new programmes launched is the £1 million Community Economic Development programme, which supports 50 communities to identify opportunities to develop local economies. Another is the £3 million ‘Our Place’ and ‘First Steps’ programme, which is supporting 64 areas to transform services at a neighbourhood level.

Communities Minister, Marcus Jones said: “There is a growing movement of people up and down the country who are taking advantage of our Community Rights support programmes.

“Local people know what’s already great about the places they live in and how to make them even better, whether that’s through taking control of the local community centre, redesigning services for older people or helping young people into employment.

“Our support programmes will help them to harness their skills and knowledge to tackle a wide range of issues that are important to them and make their areas even better places to live and work.”

The government is also funding the ‘My Community Advice Service’ and the ‘My Community Network’, which provide expert support to anyone who wants to find out about Community Rights and how to take control over local land, buildings, services and planning.

Alison Seabrooke, Chief Executive of the Community Development Foundation said: “It is fantastic to see such a high level of interest in the My Community Network in such a short space for time. This shows that there is clearly a real appetite to connect with others from across the country to seek and share advice.”

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