Parish Councils are now able to apply the power of well-being. This powers Eligible Councils to do anything they consider likely to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area unless explicitly prohibited elsewhere in legislation. It has been previously available to principal authorities (unitary, county, borough and district councils) and have been used in vital regeneration and environmental projects. Now this power comes to Parish Councils but there are some criteria which they must fulfil before they can resolve to take up the powers.

Advice for older people on keeping warm in winter.

Help the Aged offers free winter warmer packs.

Help the Aged is offering older people a free 3 Steps to a Warmer Winter pack.

Residents of a Rushcliffe village will soon realise their dream of a new centre at the heart of their community, after receiving a grant of £293,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Buildings programme.

The project will replace Rempstone’s dilapidated village hall, dating from 1928, with a brand new centre.

The new hall will have additional meeting space for community groups, an improved kitchen, bar and toilet facilities, and an emphasis on accessibility and environmental sustainability. The current ancient heating system means that in winter months the hall is often too cold for older residents to use. Improvements will include more efficient heating, better insulation and hearing loops.
To read more about this please click here

The Community Empowerment White Paper was launched on 9th July by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The white paper includes the following announcements:

- A new £70 million “Community Builders” fund - will be established
- A new duty for councils to respond to petitions will be introduced in 2009.
- CLG will also consult on a new right to petition that would hold local officers to account.
- All local authorities will be encouraged to use participatory budgeting by 2012.
- A specialist asset transfer unit
- A new Social Enterprise Unit
- A £7.5 million empowerment fund
- A ‘Community Allowance’

For more information please click here