Communities to be involved in planning public services

Communities
all over Scotland are to be directly involved in planning public services as a
result of the Scottish executive’s community budget initiative.

Launched
by social justice minister, Iain Gray, the community budget approach involves
direct control over certain aspects of public services and resources directly
by consortia of community groups.  In
the first instance, the executive wish to consult widely on this proposal which
they intend to fund at £5 million over two years to kickstart local
initiatives. The funding would be used to cover costs such as data and
software, staffing, support, training and consultancy fees.  

Gray
said:  "The more relevant public
services are to the people who use them, the greater the impact of these
services in reducing inequalities and meeting social inclusion
objectives."

The
consultation process ends on 14 June 2002.

www.scotland.gov.uk