Community Action and Civic Dialogue

Abstract

This chapter, by one of the most experienced local authority chief executives in the UK, looks at how communities can be genuinely empowered through civic dialogues to improve their quality of life. It reviews the approach that supports community action by systematically discussing options with local people, involving them in setting priorities, and enabling them to take control of defined resources and specific public buildings as community assets. Lessons are drawn from initiatives and the experiences of diverse communities, that show that success is only possible with a more participatory and deliberative approach from central and local government. Criticisms are directed at the formulaic and passive arrangements that characterise many existing attempts at community empowerment. The chapter concludes by arguing that, notwithstanding economies of scale and the benefits of standardisation, the design and delivery of services can achieve much more through well-planned community engagement.