September 2008 Community Empowerment White Paper Briefing

The main theme running through this White Paper is the transfer of power from official and political decision makers to active citizens, in a move towards more ‘vibrant, participative local democracy’.

The White Paper looks from the view point of citizens in relation to:

• Being active in the community
• Having access to information about services and getting involved in helping to shape services
• Boosting routes for influence, challenge and redress
• Standing for public office
• Ownership and control of services