1st December 2009
Today (Tuesday 1st, December 2009), West Dunbartonshire’s Community Planning Partnership has announced a £180 million programme of local initiatives to transform lifestyles and provide greater opportunity for some of the area’s most vulnerable people.
West Dunbartonshire Council is the first Council in Scotland to confirm the future funding of its Community Planning Partnership in advance of the Local Government Budget settlement. Despite the current financial climate, the Council has agreed to invest over £5 million in 45 different initiatives to improve the lives of local people.
This early commitment by the Council has helped to secure a total investment of £180 million as a result of match funding from the area’s Community Planning Partners.
West Dunbartonshire Council Leader Iain Robertson said: “The community planning structure we now have in place in West Dunbartonshire reaches right down to the grassroots of our communities, listening, helping and working for all local people and in particular those who do not normally have a voice. Our uniqueness lies in our responsiveness and thanks to the commitment of the Council and all our partners we have demonstrated we are in this for the long-term. Together we can and will deliver safer and healthier communities, improved learning opportunities, a regenerated and growing economy, a cleaner and greener environment, affordable quality housing and a network of thriving towns and villages to live, work and visit.”
Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, George Gillespie said: “We have a big responsibility to West Dunbartonshire. The Community Planning Partnership is the lifeline that runs between all our residents and the range of organizations and services that make their lives better. Every section of our community has a voice and must be encouraged to play their part in delivering a successful West Dunbartonshire. Today’s announcement marks a new era for Community Planning in West Dunbartonshire and working together we can make a real difference. Our collective investment of £180 million will transform lives and communities.”
Strathclyde Police Divisional Commander John Thomson, who leads the Partnership Programme to reduce anti social behaviour and violence, added:“I’m delighted that this funding has been secured. It will allow the Community Planning Partnership to continue with our efforts to reduce crime in West Dunbartonshire and ensure our communities feel safe. My aim is to continue to reduce the level and fear of crime and encourage people to report their concerns to the police. Our Community Policing Teams are committed to tackling matters of concern to the community and will continue to focus their efforts on reducing violence, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour and providing reassurance to people across West Dunbartonshire.”
The new look Community Planning Partnership will now be able to deliver extended programmes of activity focusing on the areas of greatest need , with each individual programme running for 16 months – ensuring that residents are guaranteed to benefit until 31st March 2011. The approach & wide range of activity, responsive to local needs, is already attracting commendation from the Scottish Government.
The early commitment of all the partners around the table is a ringing endorsement of the work and strategic direction of the Community Planning Partnership. The West Dunbartonshire Team comprises public and voluntary sector service providers, and local communities who, under the stewardship of the Community Planning Partnership, are delivering a shared vision for the area.
