Introduction to community planning in Angus: Frequently asked questions
1. What is community planning?
'Community planning is about everyone (organisations and communities) working together to make their area a better place to live'.
In other words, community planning is about organisations such as the Council, the Health Service and the Police (to name a few) working together to achieve more than when working on their own. Community planning is also about these organisations working with local people (communities) and finding out what their needs are and planning services around these needs (where possible). The Angus Community Plan (see FAQ 2) and it's annual review and progress report details what we have done and what we plan to do in order to achieve this.
2. What is the Angus Community Plan?
The Angus Community Plan (PDF 700K) sets a long term direction for Angus for 10 years, and is to be monitored and reviewed annually. Other relevant documents are available by clicking here.
3. Who is involved in community planning?
Click here for information and members of the Angus Community Planning Partnership.
4. Why is community planning important?
We are all customers of the public sector, whether we are borrowing a book from the local library, going to visit a local GP or reporting a crime to the Police. In the past, the service providers e.g. the Police, the Health Service, etc acted mainly on their own when planning and delivering services for the public.
The community planning process involves bringing these agencies together to plan for Angus as a whole and for each local area within Angus. By working together in partnership, services can be provided more effectively.
Also, in terms of its Customer Charter, the philosophy adopted by the Angus Community Planning Partnership aims to ensure that services are delivered in a customer centred manner, avoiding overlap and duplication, and is one that complements each of the Angus Community Planning partners organisational customer care standards.
It's the law! Community planning is now a legal requirement because of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. This was an important piece of legislation because it ensures the key public sector agencies get round the table to develop and implement the community planning process in Angus.
5. What is happening locally in Angus?
Partners in Angus agreed to jointly fund a Community Planning Team for three years to develop the process of joint working in Angus. Community planning is being implemented using structures at an Angus wide level, covering different areas including the economy, the environment, community learning and development and healthy, safe and caring communities. Multi-agency groups have been established to work on these themes.
Angus wide level (themes)
Community planning is also being carried out at a more local level ( local community planning). These areas include Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Monifieth, Montrose and Sidlaw/Newtyle, and their surrounding rural population. This provides an opportunity for local people to shape developments in their local area.
The work of the partnerships feeds into the overall community planning process.
6. What information is there nationally about community planning?
The Scottish Executive is very keen on developing community planning. There are various sources of information on community planning at a national level.
The most relevant websites are:-
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Community Planning Implementation Group (formerly known as the Community Planning Task Force)
7. Is something similar happening in other parts of the UK?
Yes. In England and Wales 'Community Planning Partnerships' are known as 'Local Strategic Partnerships' and carry out similar activities.
8. How can I get involved in planning my community?
Engaging the views of Angus residents is a key part of the community planning process. The 'Have your say' part of this site lists both current and previous opportunities to comment, and reports on what has been done with your input.
9. How do I get further information?
This website has a wide range of information about community planning in Angus. However, if you cannot find what you are looking for you can contact the Community Planning Team.