Scottish communities should have a say on how to beat poverty - Marco Biagi

Poverty can be tackled by local communities, according to Scotland’s Local Government Minister.

Marco Biagi said he wanted people to have a say on how to deal with issues which impact on their lives, including poverty and deprivation.

On a visit to Clydebank he said: “Hearing directly from West Dunbartonshire Council about their work delivering new schools, jobs opportunities and integrating health and social care services in the area is exactly the kind of engagement that is crucial for the Scottish Government.

“Through the work of the community planning partnership (CPP), West Dunbartonshire residents are being given an opportunity to be involved in the decisions that affect their communities.

“Our Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill will strengthen and nurture this community participation and place communities at the heart of community planning.

Community planning is a process which helps public agencies to work together with the community to plan and deliver better services which make a real difference to people's lives.

CPPs have been widely criticised for not involving local people and communities in their work.

A report released by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee this week noted the vital role of CPPs, but expressed concern that local communities are not sufficiently involved in the decisions being made and said CPPs were too focussed on a ‘top-down’ approach.

The report recommended the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill should require CPPs to actively seek input directly from the community and not just its representatives.