• Inclusive not exclusive
• Free from discrimination
• Diverse = fairness
• Accessible
• Free from rural racism / discrimination
• Open not closed
• Community empowerment
• Value different people
• Not racist - free from bigots
• Free from hate crime
• Equality
• For everyone not just white
• Economic and social success
• Different but equal
• Freedom = enjoyment for all
• Rainbow
• Race equality impact assessments

Mohammed

Empowerment of the community, if used in a realistic way, is the way forward for rural communities. One size fits all would not be useful in this concept as each community has its own unique foorptint

Empowerment can mean all things to each community e.g. choosing to run services on a devolved basis from District / Local Authorities or being able to influence decision making in their local area.

To enable ‘ture’ empowerment policy makers, District / Local Authorities need to pave a clear way forward for communities by providing processes that rea easly accessib;le by the community

‘Clear information processes enable Empowerment which in turn allows the community to decide their own future!’

Linda Anderson

I am lucky enough to live in a market town which has been given sufficient funding to carry out what will be a remarkable renaissance, it has been driven by a community census of enormous proportins. It sits within a district with the largest land area in the country and one of the lowest populations - we have more sheep thn people.

Community empowerment should be the cornerstone of the process of change. However I do have fears that with the transfer of additional powers to RDAs, which are afterall unelected bodies, there will arise a democratic defecit, This could mean that decision making at this crucial time , especially in the financial arena will be taken away from local people.

David Blackie

Barnard Castle, Vice Chair North East Assembly

By 2020 I would envisage rural Britain to be almost entirely connected by broadband & internet technologies. The culture and mindset of communities would have embraced both new and traditional forms of community engagement. These methods would work in parallel, providing auditable systems, systems that not only those affected can embrace & contribute to. These systems could also connect to differing communities to learn from each other. Communities would minimise the “do once” mentality.

In summary traditional forms of community engagement will have moved on considerably, improving and empowering those ultimately affected.

Rob Mannion

Safe

Fair

Diverse

Sustainable

Served by vibrant local shops and services

Served by well planned and sustainable transport links / system

A place where business is accepted and thrives

Innovative and provides opportunities for all

A place where services are not threatened or lost

A place to enjoy and have fun

Has good, strong community empowerment, engagement and involvement

Good community spirit

Dan Judges