An idea from the Sheffield 'Stronger Communities, Stronger Economy' discussion group held on 26 March 2009

Two of the organisations represented at the discussion had one best practice awards from the British Urban Regeneration Association, while the chair of the awards panel was also present

One lesson from those awards is that many winners had to rely on their own initiative rather than government grants. They developed the skills they needed to get things done.

Grants and government funding are needed, but it isn’t necessary to channel the money through a plethora of intermediary organisations such as regional development agencies. Money should be targeted directly to community organisations that have a record of achievement, with as few demands as possible for bureaucratic structures designed to satisfy civil servants.

The government needs to trust community organisations more. Central government has been willing to throw billions of pounds at failing organisations – the big banks – but it has taken 15 years for the Development Trusts Association to convince them to establish a £70m community assets fund.

As a move towards this kind of direct investment, Sheffield Council’s new community assemblies should each support at least one local community enterprise. Money should go especially to groups involved in environmental action and social care.

To discuss further visit: http://chain-reaction.ning.com/forum/topics/cut-out-the-middlemen

For more information on the Sheffield meeting click here: http://www.chain-reaction.org/index.php?/chain-reaction/Stronger_communities_Sheffield/