Sustainable Communities Act

The Sustainable Communities Act received Royal Assent on 23 October 2007 and the Government issued statutory guidance on how the Act would operate in August 2008. The Act aims to promote the sustainability of local communities through providing an opportunity for councils to develop ideas and proposals which would improve the quality of life and social wellbeing in their local areas, through increased participation in civic and political activity.

The Act provides a statutory framework for councils in England, working with local people and community groups, to put forward proposals on sustainable improvements to economic, environmental and reconfiguration of public services, changes to the pattern of public spending, which would contribute to these goals, but which would require national action to put into effect. The scope of the Act is very broad, covering economic, social and environmental issues. It does not limit the type of action that could be put forward. The Act assumes that it is for local people to decide what they think needs to be done to promote the sustainability of their area, whist ensuring that communities are better informed about the public funding that is spent in their area.

Copies of the Act are attached. If you have any suggestions for projects that the Council should be pursuing through the Act then please e-mail pressoffice@tunbridgewells.gov.uk