SLDC residents have ‘people power’ in wake of Big Society announcement

23 July 2010

IN the week David Cameron announced his ‘Big Society’ SLDC is reminding residents of the power they already have to influence local services.

The Big Society plans to give people the power and money to run their own local services and influence decisions where they live.

Four areas across the country will pilot the scheme however residents across South Lakeland can already have a greater say over council spending thanks to Local Area Partnerships (LAPS).

The Council is also open to approaches from community groups interested in helping to run or take over local services.

Across the district eight LAPS have been established with the support of SLDC, Parish Councils, Cumbria County Council and other partners, giving residents the chance to influence decision making on how services are delivered in their area.

Each LAP has access to £15,000 funding for use on local priorities and they’re able to recommend how it’s spent, from highway maintenance to affordable housing.

Cllr Brendan Jameson, Leader of SLDC, said: “The Government’s plans highlight how forward thinking we already are in South Lakeland.

“David Cameron said the Big Society will be the ‘biggest redistribution of power’ ever seen from Whitehall to local communities.

“As a Council we have already taken steps to give more power to our residents so that decisions are based on the views and needs of local people and we plan to continue this work.”

As well as LAPS, the Council also works with parishes on Community Plans highlighting needs and priorities on a local level.  

For more information about your local LAP visit http://www.southlakelandlsp.org.uk/ or to discuss Big Society opportunities call 01539 733333 and ask for the LAP team.