| The freezing of Council
Tax may have grabbed the headlines around the Concordat
and Single Outcome Agreement, however, it is becoming
apparent the Single Outcome Agreement will fundamentally
change the way that services are delivered by Councils
and Community Planning Partnerships.
Claire described the process of preparing the single
outcome agreement that will drive all public sector
spending priorities in Glasgow from April 2008. Preparing
a single vision for Glasgow is exceptionally challenging
– especially given the extent of deprivation in
the city.
Neighbourhood management structures and services will
also be realigned to meet the objectives of the Single
Outcome Agreement. A pilot has been undertaken in one
area and has been an astounding success with a 50% improvement
in satisfaction levels.
The fundamental principle of the agreement is that services
should be measured against the improvements they deliver
for communities. As community involvement is critical
for the successes of the agreement. Claire argues that
there is a need for additional support to build up community
capacity.
The shift towards this single vision for delivering
services has resulted in some difficult decisions especially
concerning the funding of local groups. Adopting a more
strategic approach to funding has meant that some existing
projects have been lost. This has resulted in lively
debate.
Petra described how Planning Aid for Scotland works
to provide advice, training and research to improve
community involvement in the planning process.
She went on to say that planning will only ever be effective
if it espouses the values of society as whole and not
just a small section who know and understand the system
and how to exploit it to their advantage.
The key elements of effective community involvement
are:
• A shared purpose / vision
• Speaking the right language (e.g. plain English
avoiding jargon)
• Moving away from engagement towards participation
and greater transparency of decision making
• Partnership working across sectors and teams
directed towards the shared vision.
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