National Outcome 11

NO11 -  We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others

Our primary means of delivering on this outcome is the Neighbourhood Community Planning (NCP) process. The Locality Planning Forum (the challenge forum that oversees the NCP process) reviewed progress in the light of the impact of re-structuring within the City Council, Grampian Police and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service; budget savings; and feedback from stakeholders. The conclusion was that NCP has achieved positive results for neighbourhoods across the city but that it was seen as being too bureaucratic; too complex and not achieving the required levels of community engagement. As a result a Working Group was formed and remitted to make the process simpler and more effective. The Working Group is about to deliver a draft proposal to the Locality Planning Forum (3 Sept 09) for subsequent wider consultation. The re-designed NCP process is expected to go operational on 1 April 2010, at the same time as the Council’s new service structure also becomes fully operational.

Grampian Police have begun to pilot, in Tillydrone, an approach to local partnership working entitled ‘Building responsible communities through partnership working’. This will inform effective ways of working within the NCP process.

Since the publication of the SOA there have been further HMIe inspections that have continued to produce positive assessments of Community Learning & Development work that is supporting community development and community engagement.

LO11A Every citizen is enabled to be more active in his or her community regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, where they live or disability to ensure everyone can contribute to 'active citizenship'

Measure

Performance

Note

% aware of their Neighbourhood’s Community Action Plan

This shows a reduction from previous years.  Neighbourhood planning is currently being reviewed and improvements are expected in the future.

Measure

Performance

Note

% aware of being asked for their views

This marked improvement on last year indicates a move towards the initial high level of awareness. Of those aware of neighbourhood planning a large number have been engaged in the process.

The 2008/09 City wide residents survey asked “How do you feel about the opportunities that the Council provides for you to express your views about local services or issues that affect you?”  28% felt the opportunities were “Good”, 40% “Poor” with 31% “Don’t know”.

Measure

Performance

Note

% who feel they can influence what happens in their neighbourhood

The 2008/09 figures have been sourced from a City wide residents survey.  There were no significant variations in views by age or gender.