This session saw the launch of the Community Environment Standard Action Plan. The publication produced jointly by CIH Scotland and West Lothian Council explores what a standard might look like, and gives practical examples of what West Lothian and other areas are doing to maintain their community environments.

Derek Cornwall from West Lothian Housing and Building services stressed the importance of housing management in creating healthy and vibrant communities, and in particular providing safe and secure homes.

He then suggested that a good neighbourhood should have a vibrant mix of shops, bars, and facilities to suit all age groups, adequate leisure areas and services within close range, and a healthy ratio of public/private space.

He also outlined the challenges in housing management of tackling antisocial behaviour, addressing homelessness, and meeting the SHQS standards. He set the challenge to ensure customers feel safe and secure in their home environments so that they then feel comfortable to venture out into the wider community and engage with their neighbours, after all… everybody needs good neighbours.

Paul Hillard reinforced the relationship between neighbourhoods and homes, and the importance of a sense of community. According to Paul, a good neighbourhood goes beyond just buildings to include local facilities, play areas, people, and neighbours.

Paul emphasised that community members need to be at the heart of decision making to provide a sense of ownership and pride, cohesion, and overall community sustainability. Paul closed by providing two very different examples of community involvement that both met positive levels of resident satisfaction. He said a one size fits all approach does not work, you need to tailor the approach to the community to get the results they need.