1. Consultation on the proposed Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill Kate Thomson-McDermott Community Empowerment Unit

2. Outline Background Content Process

3. Background Manifesto Commitment: to make it easier for communities to take over unused and underused public sector assets and to introduce measures to help communities deal more effectively with vacant and unused property in their areas

4. Background Christie Commission recommendation: to consider ways to strengthen the participation of communities in the planning and delivery of services Responsible Minister: Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning

5. Content All very exploratory Ideas were suggested through earlier round of engagement with interested parties across the range of sectors Not all the ideas will necessarily be taken forward in draft legislation - will depend on response to this consultation

6. Content Proposed aim: to strengthen opportunities for communities to take independent action to achieve their own goals and aspirations and ensure communities are able to have a greater role in determining how their local public services are delivered

7. Content 49 Questions, a lot – but all relevant. Strengthening Community Participation Unlocking Enterprising Community Development Renewing our Communities

8. Content Should communities have a greater role in deciding how budgets are spent in their areas? Should communities have a power to request the public sector transfer certain unused or underused assets? Should communities have a right to request a local authority use a compulsory purchase order on their behalf?

9. Process Consultation runs until 29 August 2012 ( see www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations) Process for deciding what goes in the Bill Reference group jointly chaired with COSLA Consult on draft Bill summer 2013 Bill ready for introduction winter 2013

10. Process Also very keen we generate enthusiasm for potential of the Bill alongside formal consultation. Keep an eye open for dedicated web page where you can share stories Contact details: community.empowerment@scotland.gsi.gov.ukommunity.empowerment@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Twitter: @CommEmpower and help us keep track of discussions by using #scotCERB.