Local Economic and Community Plans LECP | Guidelines 2021
Socio-economic Statement From the analysis of the evidence-base, a socio- economic statement, with high-level objectives and outcomes for the overall plan, should be prepared. While the formulation and adoption of the LECP involves an extensive body of work and range of processes, it is strongly recommended that this statement should be as succinct as possible. Each objective should be reflected in a small number of outcomes and be situated within the overarching purpose stated in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government of promoting well- being and quality of life. When outlining the objectives and outcomes consideration should be given to the implementation plan process and the scope for achieving the objectives and outcomes within this type of process. Mutually supporting Economic and Community Aspects Economic development and local and community development, while distinct functions which involve some different challenges, approaches and skills, are mutually supportive in building sustainable communities with strong local economies. Consequently, the economic and community elements of the LECP will have areas of common interest and action. For example, the Local Authority’s investment in place-making activities will be supported by community-based work such as local tidy towns efforts and other local improvement initiatives under the local and community development programmes. Similarly, strong economic performance helps to build stronger communities and is fundamental to their welfare through greater prosperity, job creation and financial stability. Equally, local and community development interventions can support economic activity from the ground up, while also helping to combat social exclusion and poverty, for example, through targeted interventions to improve education, training and employment opportunities within disadvantaged or marginalised communities. It is important that these “integrated elements” are highlighted in the LECP to ensure a coordinated delivery of actions for both economic and local/community development.
Both the role of the Advisory Group (see section C) and the Implementation Plan Process (see section B) will enable a more coordinated approach to both the design and implementation of the integrated elements of the LECP. As part of the LECP process, we strongly encourage Local Authorities to engage with Chambers of Commerce/Town Teams/ Regeneration Committees when identifying potential applications for Government funded schemes, for example Town and Village Renewal, RRDF, ORIS, to ensure there is local buy-in. Stage 2 Consultation Consultation is an important part of the development of both the LECP framework and Implementation Plans. Local Authorities should ensure a broad consultation with relevant stakeholders at all levels of development. It is important that the LECP and its Implementation Plans are supporting and enabling other key branches of work of the Local Authorities for example Housing and Planning and Tourism and recreation and that other relevant objectives of stakeholders are informed by the objectives set out in the LECP. The LECP should identify linkages between the objectives set out in other work areas of Local Authorities and other relevant stakeholders and the Sustainable Objectives set out in the LECP and appropriate consultation should enable and facilitate this. A comprehensive public consultation process should underpin LECP development. Section 66C(2)(i) and section 66C(3)(i) of the Local Government Reform Act require public consultation on both the Economic and Community elements of the plan. Objective 1 of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities a five-year strategy to support the Community and Voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024 (C&V Strategy) commits to strengthening participative approaches to the development of public policy and programming. In addition, Objective 9 commits to strengthening the LECP process enhancing community participation in the development and implementation of plans and securing more effective collaboration and partnership working nationally, regionally and locally. An agreed set of values and principles for collaboration and partnership working at both national and local level were developed to implement Action 1.2 in the strategy.
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