This legislation seeks to empower communities in Scotland to participate meaningfully in the development and improvement of public services. With provisions that took effect from 2015 onwards, the Community Empowerment Act has significant implications for the heritage sector in Scotland.
One key feature of the legislation is the requirement for local authorities and other public service providers to consider how they can involve community groups in the planning and delivery of local services. This may include heritage-related activities such as the management of historic buildings or sites, as well as the promotion of local heritage initiatives.
The Act also establishes new rights for communities to make “participation requests”, which can be used to initiate discussions with public service providers about specific issues or concerns. For heritage groups, this could provide a mechanism for engaging with local authorities on a range of issues, from the preservation of historic buildings to the interpretation of cultural heritage assets.
Another important aspect of the legislation relates to the development of outcome improvement processes. Under the Act, public service providers are required to establish processes for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of their services, and community groups may be invited to participate in this process. This could provide a valuable opportunity for heritage groups to engage with public service providers on issues related to the impact of public services on heritage assets.
Overall, the Community Empowerment Act represents a significant shift towards community-led planning and decision-making in a range of areas, including the heritage sector. By giving communities a greater say in the development and delivery of local services, the Act has the potential to make a real difference to the way that heritage is managed and promoted in Scotland.
