SNP candidates Robin Sturgeon and Christina Larsen have outlined some of the party’s proposals for new community working if it is returned to power.

The previous SNP-run Council introduced the new local partnerships which will decentralise decision making across a range of policy areas.

Members include Councillors, Community Councillors and other community representatives as well as local partners including Police, Fire Service and the NHS.

These committees have recently started to meet and their first task is to develop Local Action Plans for their respective areas

This year’s budget includes agreement to devolve £1 million of Grounds Maintenance and Streetscene funds and £1 million of Health and Social Care spending to these new structures.

The Locality Partnerships also have control of local council grants.

SNP candidate Robin Sturgeon said: “The SNP has always been committed to bringing decision making closer to local people. We fundamentally believe that better decisions are made this way. 

“Our new Locality Partnerships will take forward the good work started by the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment Bill and will allow us to develop strategic plans for each of our communities that represents the particular needs of that area.

“We have already started work identifying local priorities such as jobs, public transport and health and wellbeing issues. We are seeking to develop ways in which we can take forward these issues and this work will continue after the local elections.”

The SNP supported Budget also includes the formation of a new Communities Investment Fund of £3.2 millon to be spent on new projects and initiatives decided upon in association with the new Locality Partnerships.

SNP candidate Christina Larsen added: “I am particularly pleased that we have managed to identify this funding which will assist the new Locality Partnerships in taking forward individual projects and proposals in their own communities. 

“When the SNP Council established this new way of working, there were those who complained that we were simply trying to manage cutbacks. This funding commitment shows that we are determined to put the “local” back into our communities.

“North Ayrshire has some of the highest levels of deprivation outside Glasgow. If elected to administration the SNP is determined to make inroads into addressing these issues. 

“The SNP has great ambition for our local communities. We will work closely with local people and groups to develop new ways of working and delivering services. In this modern age we need services that fit with local needs and are designed by local people.”