Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
Direct contact 0303 444 0000- contactus@communities.gov.uk
- Local government
- Efficiency and better services
- Capacity building
- Why was Capacity Building established?
Why was Capacity Building established?
Local Authorities provide over 700 services to their local communities. From schools to social services through to environmental issues, delivering better services is the key to improving the quality of life for many citizens. The Local Government White Paper Strong Local Leadership - Quality Public Services, published in December 2001 (see link below) sets out the main challenges to local authorities, their members and staff. It significantly draws on the need to build management capacity by developing a range of skills. This is essential if local authorities are to meet the challenges of increased responsibility, greater freedom and new powers. The Government is committed to supporting this improvement and modernisation process and recognises its importance if it is to reach its aim of high quality public services, coexisting with strong communities.
A package of support agreed with the Local Government Association (LGA) has been made available to local government with specific provisions detailed for district councils - to mark this step-change. Although local authorities will cover the bulk of their Capacity Building programme costs, Central Government is committed to ensure that as many local authorities as possible take full advantage of the new responsibilities established in the new Local Government Act - increased flexibility, freedoms, powers and judgement in allocating resources and services to their end users.
