Local Authorities

The UK has come some way in setting an agenda for change - change in the way we think and act - since the framework for future action on sustainable development was drawn up at the 1992 Rio "Earth Summit" and agreed by over 180 participating nations.

As envisaged at the "Earth Summit" local authorities were called upon to take the lead in setting up the process for ongoing consultation with their communities to arrive at a vision, set objectives and identify possible action plans that would guide us towards a more sustainable future and a better "quality of life" covering three areas - to protect and enhance the environment, to meet social needs and to promote economic success - which are now widely held to characterise a sustainable society. To these have been added a fourth dimension - to promote citizenship awareness amongst people.

Berkshire Local Authorities have now moved on and in line with Government policy they have produced community strategies in partnership with a whole range of local interest groups and organisations, including schools and places of learning, health, conservation, business and the "disadvantaged". In 2004 they have been forming local strategic partnerships to inform their community strategies and encourage closer working with the voluntary and non-profit sector and others.