Community Empowerment Awards Open To Applications

A best practice award for Parish and Town Councils has opened to applications in England.

The Community Empowerment Award 2007 is sponsored by the Commission for Rural Communities and offers awards of up to £1000. The awards are aimed at councils that help to engage and empower their local communities through their day to day work.

How are Councils nominated?

Parish and Town Councils across England can be nominated by anyone; a council worker or a third party. They can be nominated under one of four categories; young people, older people, Gypsies, Travellers and migrant workers and housing. Awards will be granted at a regional level, with regional winners being eligible for a national award. There is an application deadline of 15 June 2007.

What are the application criteria?

Any council that has established a service or been involved in developments within the award categories for a rural community in England can be nominated for an award. Submissions should look to address the following guiding principles:

• Engagement and participation.
• Understanding and building community relations.
• Sustainability.
• Facilitation.
• Identification of issues and needs.
• Action.

Source: Commission for Rural Communities, 02/02/07