Introduction to 'Strong and prosperous communities - the Local Government White Paper'

"In October 2006 my department published the White Paper, Strong and prosperous communities. Its aim is to give local people and local communities more influence and power to improve their lives.

Radical improvements have been made in public services in the last ten years thanks to record levels of investment, strong performance management and the hard work and commitment of local government and others. But for these improvements to continue, we must show our confidence in local government, local communities and other public service providers by giving them more freedom and powers to bring about the changes we all want to see.

Working together, we can continue to improve public services and the quality of life in our communities."

Ruth Kelly MP
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

The White Paper is on the side of individuals and families who want to make a difference, both to their own lives and to the communities in which they live.

Our vision is of revitalised local authorities, working with their partners, to reshape public services around the citizens and communities that use them.

This means changing the way we work to give citizens and communities a bigger say; to enable local partners to respond more flexibly to local needs; to reduce the amount of top-down control from central government - and to enable citizens and communities to play their part.

The White Paper sets out a radical agenda for change. But it is firmly rooted in experience of what works. It puts in place systemic reforms that will help all local areas to rise to meet the standards of the best and the best to improve further.

Our reforms will empower citizens and communities; create stronger and more visible leadership; and put in place a new framework within which local authorities and their partners can work.

To download a copy of 'Strong and prosperous communities - The Local Government White Paper' please see the link to the right.

For other publications published alongside the Local Government White Paper, please visit the publications section via the link provided.