Community Led Plans
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A Community Led Plan, formerly known as a Parish Plan, is a step by step process that enables every resident to participate in, and contribute to, improving the well-being of their local area by consulting on the social, economic, environmental and cultural issues. Through this process you create a vision for the future of your community or neighbourhood.
One of the defining characteristics of all Community Led Plans is they are not imposed from above, but instead are initiated by local volunteers who steer their community through the step-by-step process.
Because it is led by local people, a wide range of issues are addressed in ways that are meaningful to the community itself. This can include; housing needs, transport, youth provision, community facilities and the environment.
Dialogue within the community increases the understanding of the needs of all residents, particularly those disadvantaged or suffering social exclusion and assists in bringing communities together to aid community cohesion.
Engagement with Local Authority Officers, Public Service providers and elected members happens throughout the process, enhancing the relationship between parties and a connection with wider community engagement strategies.
The resulting Community Led Plan forms a blueprint for use by Town/Parish Councils and other local bodies, as well as providing evidence for funding bids to enable the actions identified to be completed.
- The Actions from Community Led Plans can influence strategic bodies at a local level.
- Local Authorities can use the information in their planning and policy delivery, thus providing services to rural communities that have been highlighted as needs from across the area.
- Communities taking part in the process should ensure that their local authorities are fully aware that they are producing a Community Led Plan and keep in regular contact with updates to specific departments that may be of help to them once the plan is complete.
There is now a dedicated member of staff within Humber & Wolds RCC to help with Community Led Plans, who will provide tailored support to each individual community. HWRCC makes considerable use of the Community Led Planning Toolkit which provides a step by step guide through the process and can highlight any training needs required.
Community Development Officer, Peter Hirschfeld, is taking the lead on this community engagement initiative and will be happy to come and talk to Parish Councils or other interested groups on how they can take this concept forward.
To find out more about the Community Led Plan process, interested parishes or community groups should contact Peter on 01430 434047 or 07730 661753, or email peter.hirschfeld@hwrcc.org.uk
You can access more information on Community Led Planning at: www.communityledplanning.com
Download a copy of our Community Led Planning leaflet
Humbrella article - Community Led Planning Q&A
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