Under-Represented Groups To Have Greater Planning Say

Up to £5 million will be committed to promoting new ways to encourage community participation in planning Communities Secretary Hazel Blears confirmed today.

The new grants are part of a major Government drive to put communities in control, strengthen active citizenship and give people more say over local services.

Planning is already one of the most democratic processes with the majority of decisions taken by elected local councillors. But often decisions become contentious because of a perceived lack of public involvement in decisions that leave under-represented groups frustrated and disenchanted.

The planning empowerment grants announced today will help tackle any sense of injustice by encouraging councils to secure greater legitimacy for decisions by placing some power in the hands of local communities generating a vibrant, engaged and healthier local democracy.

Eligible councils could receive up to £70,00 additional funding from the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant to strengthen the legitimacy of their consultation and local decision-making process.

Also, funding from the new £7.5m Empowerment Fund will go to third-sector groups who promote community engagement in the planning system.

Hazel Blears said: "Sometimes people feel that planning decisions are made behind closed doors, or that traditional ways of getting involved, like public meetings, are not for them.

"These new planning empowerment grants will help involve under-represented groups from the community in planning through things like citizen's injuries and planning for real type processes."

Ms Blears concluded: "What better way to find the right solution than asking local people who know their communities best - I want to see the system delivering people planning not process planning."

(JM)