www.peopleandparticipation.net was today launched to a wider audience by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears as part of the Government's 'Empowerment Action Plan'.

The plan sets out how the Government will deliver on its commitment to empower communities through a range of activities, including more community power to trigger petitions, citizens' juries and an increased say for local communities over local budgets.  

The action plan presents an ambitious agenda, backed up with �35 million in funding and other support measures, of which this website is one.

Key headlines from the plan include:

Empowerment Champions 18 local authorities will act as empowerment champions to spearhead a reinvigoration of local democracy by demonstrating the results that they have achieved across a diverse range of neighbourhoods.

Community kitties in every Local Authority. At the moment at least 10 local authorities are piloting participatory budgeting - giving people a direct say in how public funding should be spent. The ambition is that within five years residents in every Local Authority area should be given a direct say in how money is spent.

A bigger say for young people in spending decisions. By 2010 local authorities will be able to devolve up to 5 per cent of their budget for youth services with young people deciding how that money is spent.

More assets to communities.  In many areas local authorities have already transferred assets such as disused buildings, or old swimming pools to local groups.  The Government wants to accelerate this process.

Petitions. The Government wants to find ways to give more power to people to trigger action on their priorities by raising the status of petitions and ensure that where people put their time and energy behind a cause or concern that time is not wasted.

A concordat between central and local government that will shape the future relationship between central and local government. A concordat is being developed with the Local Government Association establishing for the first time an agreement on the rights and responsibilities of local government.

Shaping policy through Citizens Juries on community cohesion (the importance of English language) and housing growth. The first of a series of juries will be held by Communities and Local Government in the coming months with views being sought on these vital issues.

Duty to Involve From 1 April 2009 a new duty will require local authorities to inform, consult and involve local people in local decisions, policies and services. Local people will know what services are on offer, how the authority is performing and how they can have their say.

The action plan sets out the practical steps that will be taken by both central and local government to deliver on the government's vision of shifting power from the centre, involving more people in the decision making process.

The full text of the plan can be found on the Communities and Local Government website. You can also join in the online discussion about the plan.