Natural Communities

Natural Communities is about key agencies working together to develop common service planning boundaries.  This will make it easier for organisations to plan and deliver services that better meet the needs of local communities.  It will also help residents to influence decisions that affect them because they can be consulted and involved in issues that directly affect where they live. 

As a first step we consulted with partners to agree common boundaries for the 'Belonging Community' areas.  The final boundaries are still be developed but you can see these draft maps.

We also recently consulted with partners on the boundaries of the 'Characteristic Communities' and Northumberland County Council recently agreed these boundaries - you can find out more about that decision in the 'Natural Communities Boundaries Debate' document below.

We are also developing Area Profiles in each area.  These profiles hold key statistical information about local areas.  We plan to see how this concept can work to join up and improve services.

Key Documents:

• Natural Communities - Boundaries Debate (Feb 08)
• Characteristic Communities Consultation - covering letter & briefing note (Oct 07)
• Natural Communities paper "Working at the right level for our communities" (Oct 05)