Government urges Council to help them help themselves

Rochdale Council has been urged to work closely with residents unearth new and innovative ideas to improve the town and make a place in which people want to live, work and raise a family.

The Council has been invited to send in proposals on what central government can do to help improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their area.

The innovations put forward could provide local solutions to any number of issues, such as tackling climate change at a local level by cutting energy consumption or creating more green areas for communities to cultivate.

Communities could also make proposals to strengthen the local economy by finding ways in which to support local businesses and producers or increase social inclusion by increasing involvement in local democracy.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears made the appeal as part of the Sustainable Communities Act.

She told a Local Government Association conference yesterday (Tuesday 14 October): "I'm inviting local authorities, in discussion with the people they represent, to tell us in Government what we can do to help their local community thrive.

"It's about turning assumptions about power upside down. Less of Whitehall calling the shots and more of men and women everywhere getting together and working with their council to set the agenda for what happens in their town or village - I look forward to hearing their ideas."

Rochdale Council has until 31 July 2009 to submit its proposals to the Local Government Association.