Connecting Communities is a programme that was launched by the Labour Party with the hopes of reinvigorating communities that are feeling the pressure of the recession most acutely and to ensure they can fully fully in the future of prosperity.

During this hard economic time, many communities are feeling that they are vulnerable to the recession, making them less confident about sharing in the recovery. It is important for people to understand that the jobs that are being created are jobs that they can get, homes that are being built are homes that they can live in, and that the library, the school and the hospitals are being built for them, their families and their communities. 

Connecting Communities is not intended to address all of these issues by itself. Instead it is to show how Government, both local and national, can be more effective in responding to concerns in the community. There are no favours, no privileges, no special interest groups, just fairness.

The problems with each area differ, so every community’s package of support will be solely based on the needs laid out by the proposals of the community and not just a predetermined amount. Each area will be drawing up specific plans to address local challenges and solutions will vary, but in general there are three major aspects.

• Leadership- developing confidence and skills in addressing these problems and people shape the strategy for their area.
• Giving people a voice- enabling local people to express their worries and know that someone will act on their behalf.
• Increased opportunities- raising awareness of the opportunities available and investment like the Future Jobs Fund

Making these connections to the investment, enabling views to be heard and listened to, and taking action, will help tackles the real and perceived sense of unfairness that many people are feeling.

The Government cannot be faulted for the efforts or the much needed investment it has made in many areas. But we should not be shy of admitting when things can be improved. We will make sure communities know that their Government is working for them.

For more information, please visit their website at http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/. Thank you.