From January to April 2009, MLA conducted a consultation on a discussion paper which described ways in which MLA and the sector might support the community empowerment agenda as set out in the Community Empowerment White Paper entitled Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power.
The White Paper presents a move to revive civic society and participation in local democracy by ensuring that communities and individuals are encouraged and enabled to get involved in their neighbourhoods and influence the planning and delivery of the services which they use.
Response to the consultation have now been analysed and are being used to inform the development of policy and strategy for 2010/11. An MLA response to the consultation has been produced, which summarises the feedback received, sets out the key findings and describes how MLA intends to take this agenda forward.
Further information and resources will be added to the Communities section of the MLA website during 2009/10, so please check back regularly for further updates.