Who we are

LPL is the campaign for strong and independent communities. It was initiated in Jan 2007 by an alliance of four national networks: Development Trust Association Scotland, Community Woodlands Association, Community Recycling Network Scotland and Senscot. Each of these organisations serves community based memberships and together they share a vision of an empowered and independent community sector. A steering group has been established made up of representatives from the four founding networks - this will be added to as other community networks join the campaign.

Minimal Structure

It is the view of the founders of LPL that establishing it as a separate organisation would have as many disadvantages as benefits. We prefer to see LPL as a 'wrapper' or 'kite mark' which denotes certain shared beliefs, values and intentions, the way the Fairtrade kitemark works. As a campaign to empower communities, LPL is not something separate from the work already undertaken by participating bodies but it`s a joining of forces. Admin functions (management of staff, finance etc) are carried out by a nominated lead organisations. Since our launch, and for the foreseeable future, this is DTA Scotland.

Shared Vision

LPL takes the view that as a result of the centralist policies of national and local governments over the last 20 years - local democracy in the UK is at a low ebb. We believe that the cornerstone for developing a more sustainable, inclusive and democratic society is for communities to have more control and responsibility for issues that matter most locally. All across the country there are examples of communities which have organised for their own empowerment. The vision we share is of a vigorous community sector, able to engage in a new relationship between the state, community organizations and citizens.

What we do

Our overarching aim is to help the community sector in Scotland to develop its own distinct identity and voice so that it can campaign effectively on a wide range of issues. We see our work as having two main perspectives: promoting the work and achievements of local communities and influencing national policy development.
We are identifying and connecting with community organisations across Scotland to recognize their work and encourage dialogue between them. Our campaign is informed by a pool of community leaders directly linked to what's happening on the ground.
We are also facilitating a national dialogue around local empowerment and related matters. This work is assisted by pool of academics and professionals involved in development of policy.

LPL connects and advances these two aspects of our work through regular `e-mail briefings` and our linked website. We also host meetings for face to face dialogue between supporters.

As the new Scottish Government considers how it will deliver its commitments around community empowerment, LPL has identified thee key areas for action:
1. Review and extend the scope of Land Reform (Scotland) Act
Review the operation of the current legislation and extend the community right to buy as set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act so that all communities in Scotland, urban and rural, can benefit.

2. Enable the transfer of public assets into community ownership
Find ways to enable public sector bodies, and local authorities in particular to dispose of assets into community ownership more easily and at higher levels than has been the case to date.

3. Put power in the hands of local communities
Commit to the principle of decentralization and invest communities with greater control over decision making and responsibility for matters which shape local quality of life.