Local government community heroes

Development trusts are transforming their communities for good, through self-help, trading for social purpose and ownership of buildings and land. They are indepedant organisations, but are working in partnership with the public sector, private businesses and other community groups in order to bring about long-term social, economic and environmental benefits in their communities.

It is never easy building partnerships, and we know that many development trusts who have worked with the public sector in their local area have at times expressed deep frustration. And yet that is by no means the whole picture. Across the country there are many examples of succesfull and productive relationships. Often the credit is due to individual councillors and officers who have shown great support to community enterprise initiatives, thereby helping local people achieve a sense of ownership, confidence and pride in their community.

During the first half of 2009, development trusts in England have informed us of those individuals within local authorities who they feel have supported community enterprise in their local area.

In recognition of their support the DTA presented these indiviauls with our unique Local government community hero award during our annual Policy Symposium event held on 21 May 2009.

The individuals awarded were:

To read the full statements from the nominating development trusts in support of their Local government community hero click here.

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