Communities must 'seize the day' following introduction of empowerment legislation

Development trusts are being urged to “seize the day”, following the introduction of the Community Empowerment Act.

The Development Trusts Association (DTA) Scotland said there has never been a better time for community-led regeneration.

A development trust is an organisation owned and managed by the local community with the aim to achieve the sustainable regeneration of a community or address a range of economic, social, environmental and cultural issues.

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Speaking ahead of the organisation’s annual conference, DTA Scotland director Ian Cooke said the Act brings “ground breaking” opportunities for communities across Scotland.

He added: “Often driven by the need to save community services and iconic heritage assets, community groups have historically had to work against the odds and with minimum support to take on assets and services.

“However, now, more so than ever before, communities have an opportunity to stimulate sustainable growth and lasting change thanks to favourable policies like the Community Empowerment Act which encourage, support and help resource this kind of community-led activity.

“We would urge that anyone considering taking on an asset, however early the stage, gets in touch with the team at the Community Ownership Support Service to find out how they can help support the process.”

The Act gives Scottish communities the right to request to purchase, lease, manage or use land and buildings belonging to local authorities, Scottish public bodies or Scottish ministers.

Community right to buy has been extended and people now have the opportunity to put forward their ideas for how services could be changed to improve outcomes for their community through a participation request.

This could include community bodies taking on delivery of services.

Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment Marco Biagi MSP said: “Communities in the driving seat, that is the aim of the Act.

“We want to go beyond consulting, go beyond engaging and get into the true participation and partnership that is the only way communities can be empowered.

“We know that giving communities the power to make their own choices is one of the most effective ways to tackle poverty and address inequalities.”