Community planning in Scotland

Mandated by the Scottish Community Empowerment Act 2015, Community Planning Partnerships (or CPP) is the name given to all the services that come together to take part in community planning. There are 32 CPPs across Scotland – one for each council area. Each CPP focuses on where partners' collective efforts and resources can add the most value to their local communities, with particular emphasis on reducing inequality. There are two types, Local Outcomes Improvement Plans which cover the whole council area, and Locality Plans, which cover smaller areas within the council area.

Community participation lies at the heart of community planning, and applies in the development, design and delivery of plans as well as in their review, revision and reporting. The legislation makes it clear that consultation is no longer enough. It also recognises self-identifying communities.

Community Partnership Plans are based on the principle of co-production, which is aimed at combining the mutual strengths and capacities of all partners.