What is Community Planning?

All councils have to prepare a community strategy for their area under the Local Government Act 2000. This is a vision and action plan for improvements in the district that local people need and want. It isn’t restricted to ‘just housing’ or ‘just environment’ – it can cover anything. Councils are encouraged to work in partnership with other organisations to make sure people feel included – from public sector to businesses, or voluntary and community groups.

Government guidance suggests that an umbrella ‘Local Strategic Partnership’ should drive the community strategy. This group will consult widely about the priorities for action within the strategy before it is finalised and implemented. The partnership would be likely to have up to 20 people on it from a wide range of agencies and public bodies. In St Albans, a Local Strategic Partnership was formed in April 2002 to undertake this work.

The Lead District Council Member is Councillor Brian Peyton, Portfolio Holder for Community Development.

“We do not want to take a strong directional role, but will be listening to the community. We have to show it delivers – the LSP has to do this and all members of the partnership should commit to this”, Cllr Brian Peyton during a consultation conference 6 December 2001.