Gives individuals or organisations the skills, knowledge and confidence to become more involved at a community level. Concerned with investing in the development of local people's ability to participate within the community.

Money spent on the purchase of fixed assets such as buildings, roads and equipment.

A carbon budget is a set amount of carbon that can be emitted in a given amount of time, either by the whole economy, or a pre-selected sub-population or set of activities.A global carbon budget is part of the carbon cycle. The global carbon budget is the balance of exchanges between carbon reservoirs or between one specific loop (eg atmosphere to biosphere) within the cycle.Further information Carbon budgetting (pdf)

Carbon dioxide is emitted when fuels are burned, which causes global warming.In an effort to reduce global CO2 emissions, CO2 is now being collected and stored. The best storage facilities are old oil and gas fields.Further information » www.co2capture.org.uk

This is an abbreviated term for carbon dioxide emissions. This is one of a number of greenhouse gases that are known to cause global warming.

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.Further information What is a carbon footprint?

The ratio of carbon emissions to economic (or other) activity. It is typically reported as the change in the ratio of the two. Carbon intensity can also be a measure of carbon emissions from primary energy (fossil fuels).

Carbon neutrality means no net increase in carbon emissions from the proposed activity/development, with offsetting done through investments in other sectors or locations.Further information» www.carbonneutral.com

Carbon offset is the process of balancing a defined unit of carbon dioxide emissions with a product that saves or stores an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.The offset process will vary in its delivery of the saving or storage of carbon dioxide.Further information Carbon offsetting

The removal and long-term storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the use of natural carbon sinks, primarily in forests in the form of increasing plant biomass.

The concept of carbon sinks is based on the natural ability of trees, other plants and the soil to soak up carbon dioxide and temporarily store the carbon in wood, roots, leaves and the soil. Important carbon sinks inlude tundras and peat bogs. Schemes such as tree planting and other biodiversity initiatives increase the amount of storage in the biosphere. While this absorbs atmospheric carbon emissions it does not mean that there is an overall reduction in the active carbon pool (atmosphere and biosphere). There is also a chance that carbon sinks can release large amounts of carbon at any time through fires and large scale clearance. 

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme, launched in April 2002, is the world's first economy-wide national-level greenhouse gas trading scheme. Emissions trading is designed to allow businesses to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases in the most economically efficient way.Further information  » Defra

Community Development Finance Institution A sustainable organisation whose principle purpose is to provide finance, and access to business advice for enterprises in disadvantaged communities with little or no access to alternative finance mechanisms. Further informationCommunity Development Finance Association Glossary of Community Development Finance (pdf).» Community Development Finance Association» National Council for Voluntary Organisations

Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP)These partnerships work to tackle crime and disorder in local areas. Partners included are the Police, local authorities, and youth agencies such as Connexions.Further informationThe Audit Commission have developed an online evaluation toolkit which provides a basis for crime and disorder reduction partnerships to develop action plans for better efficiency and value for money. Published in February 2008, Registered Social Landlords and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships: Improving Engagement (pdf) focuses on the change in status of registered social landlords (RSLs) within the membership structure of CDRPs in England, which took place on 31 July 2007 and was designed to help create better engagement and cooperation between RSLs and partnerships. » Home Office  

Policy and decision-making are concentrated in the same particular areas or region.

These are local, independent organisations funded by their members (predominantly from local businesses), which seek to enhance the competitiveness and growth, as well as represent the interests, of all businesses in their communities/areas.Further information The British Chambers of Commerce produces a number of reports/publications.»  British Chambers of Commerce

Request submitted to planning authorities to alter the purpose of a property, for example a commercial unit to a residential property.Further information » Planning Portal

An alternative to the traditional points-based system used by local authorities and housing associations to allocate homes, CBL allows applicants for social housing (and tenants who want to transfer) to apply for vacancies which are advertised widely in the neighbourhood.Further informationMonitoring the Longer Term Impact of Choice-based Lettings sets out the findings from two research studies commissioned by the former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2004, focusing on the longer-term impact of choice-based lettings. » Department for Communities and Local Government » Tenant Services Authority

The country to which a person legally belongs but does not indicate residency. People are granted rights and responsibilities in recognition of their attachment to a particular country.

Develops and implements inner city strategies that put enterprise and business at the heart of regeneration.

Partnerships launched in 1993 to enhance the cities of Birmingham, London and Manchester, which have now expanded to include Salford, Trafford, Tameside and Stockport.

A term used by urbanists, economists and planners to describe not only the administrative area of a recognisable city or conurbation but also its hinterland, which will often be far bigger.Further informationState of the English Cities provides a comprehensive audit of urban performance in England and a review of the impact of government policies upon cities. The main themes are: social cohesion; demographics; economic competitiveness and performance; liveability, and governance and the impact of policy.A Framework for City Regions covers mapping city regions, the policy and practice of city regions, and the role of city regions in regional economic development policy.     » Improvement & Development Agency » Department for Communities and Local Government

Individuals and groups become actively involved and engaged in the well-being of their community in order to define and tackle problems to bring about change in their locality and improve quality of life.Further information Civil Renewal: a new agenda outlines the vision of civil renewal as the centrepiece of the Government's reform agenda.  Active Citizens, Strong Communities - progressing civil renewal sets out the vision of civil renewal as 'strong, active and empowered communities - increasingly capable of doing things for themselves, defining the problems they face and then tackling them together'. » Department for Communities and Local Government

Number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits.

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. Rising global temperatures will bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The effects will be felt here in the UK and internationally there may be severe problems for people in regions that are particularly vulnerable to change.Further information » Defra

A tax on the use of energy in industry, commerce and the public sector, with offsetting cuts in employers' National Insurance contributions and additional support for energy efficiency schemes and renewable sources of energy. The aim of the levy is to encourage users to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.Further information » HM Revenue & Customs

A closed loop programme involves controlling the input of recyclable goods, which are then collected after use, recycled and made into new products. It can result in a product being 'waste neutral' where the value of materials reused or recycled at least equals the value of materials used. Value is credited for improvements in recycled content above standard practice and the value of materials reused and reclaimed for sale. Value is debited for use of materials in a product, and the cost of disposal to landfill. Waste neutrality therefore depends on reducing waste, segregating material for reuse and recycling, and using more recovered material.

Deterring or combating local crime and disorder through the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in areas with significant crime and disorder problems.

Carbon dioxide is one of the most commonly emitted greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a product of combustion - when a material or fuel burns in air energy is produced, and carbon dioxide is released. Carbon dioxide, while very common as an emission, is also the least potent of the greenhouse gases which is why it is a useful building block for measuring the impact of greenhouse gases.

In the context of rising sea levels it is necessary in some cases to allow the shape of the coast to change.  This is referred to as coastal realignment and is recognised as the positive management of a natural process.Further information  » Defra

The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package.It uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).Further information » Planning Portal

Utilise the heat generated as a by-product to energy generation for heating, hot water and cooling.

Much-debated term, whose definitions vary considerably in scale: all of the people living in a specific locality; a physical space, including its inhabitants; a group of people with a common heritage or characteristics, whether or not living in the same location; a body of nations unified by common interests.

Contributions made by individuals, citizen associations, and local institutions that individually and/or collectively build the community's capacity to assure the health, well-being, and quality of life for the community and all its members. It can also be used to describe buildings and spaces that communities own and operate themselves.Further informationPublished in May 2007, Making assets work: The Quirk Review argues that community organisations can realise tremendous potential by taking on the management and ownership of community assets. The Review looks at the barriers which may be standing in the way of more communities managing and owning assets, and recommends ways we can create an environment to encourage more community management and ownership of assets. Community Assets - the benefits and costs of community management and ownership explores the benefits and lessons of community-based organisations taking control, either as managers or owners, of the ‘assets' used by their communities: such as buildings and other facilities that provide a focus for local economy or community activities.» Department for Communities and Local Government

Natural leader within a community who enjoys a great deal of respect from other residents. Has a strong concern for the community and other residents and is able to motivate others.

Small grants of up to £5,000 available to community groups for projects to help them renew their own neighbourhoods. Often part of Neighbourhood Renewal and Single Regeneration Budget programmes.

Policy to ensure that all ethnic groups and communities within an area have a shared agenda, sense of belonging and common purpose.

Asks local people what they need and what their local area should be like. To be meaningful, needs to have a clear processes and outcomes.

Working with people to enable them to enjoy a greater degree of influence over the decisions that affect their lives and to come together with others to devise solutions to common problems.

Community-led enterprise organisation that combines community-led action with business expertise with the aim of bringing about social, economic and environmental renewal through community enterprise.Further information » Development Trusts Association 

Form of economic development that has a strong focus on community ownership of both enterprises and the development process.

Helps local people to develop their skills to deliver or influence the services in their area and resource allocation.

Helps community and voluntary groups to participate in Local Strategic Partnerships and neighbourhood renewal. This has been superseded by the Safer Stronger Communities Fund.

A regular meeting of community activists and interest groups, which may also include local business, political, religious and social organisations.Further informationPublished in March 2008, Unlocking the Talent of our Communities sets out the Government's attempt to make changes that give people more local control, influence and ownership of local services, such as employment, health, education and transport.» Department for Communities and Local Government 

Local people take a role in the future direction of their community, particularly in local public service provision.

Small group of residents dealing with issues that affect their locality.

Measure devised and used by communities for understanding and assessing performance of services.

CICs are a business model that allows businesses, which can demonstrate that their activities contribute toward the greater good of the community, to protect their assets and the people who run the business.Further informationOverview of a Community Interest Company (pdf) provides guidance on a number of issues, including what is a community interest company, how a CIC is formed, and statutory clauses.»  www.cicregulator.gov.uk

This scheme encourages investment in disadvantaged communities by giving tax relief to investors who back businesses and other enterprises in less advantaged areas by investing in accredited Community Development Finance Institutions. (definition from HM Revenue & Customs)Further informationProduced by the Community Development Finance Association, Community Investment Tax Relief - A Guide for CDFIs (pdf) provides information on the CITR scheme.» HM Revenue & Customs

Group that shares a common interest or background and comes together to discuss or influence issues that are of particular interest.

This is where a local authority and partner organisations come together to plan, provide and promote the well-being of their communities. Community planning promotes the active involvement of communities in the decisions about local services.Further informationAn Action Plan for Community Empowerment: Building on success aims to give citizens the means of participating in decision-making at every level, whilst also clarifying the role of Government at central and local level.»  www.communityplanning.net

Characteristics of a community eg levels of employment and unemployment.

The Community Recycling and Economic Development Programme (CRED) is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, a National Lottery 'good cause' distributor.Further information» Community Recycling and Economic Development Programme

Details the framework for regeneration and service improvement in a local authority area.

Programmes focused on people that usually involve some form of capacity building. Improves the ability of local people to influence decision-making within their own community.

Study of systems and their interactions, be they primitive cells or human societies.

In 2009, the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) will take over from the Comprehensive Performance Assessment of local government. Unlike the CPA, the new CAA will not focus on just the performance of individual institutions and local authorities. It will focus on the outcomes for the area as a whole and its people, secured by local authorities working alone or, more often, in partnership. It will also take into account the experiences and views of the citizens in the area. (defintion from CLG)Further information» Department for Communities and Local Government » Audit Commission

Designed to help local authorities improve local services for their communities. Taking place every three years, it considers how the local authority is run and allocates a ranking.

Comprehensive Spending Reviews set the expenditure for government departments for three years, and via Public Service Agreements (PSAs) set targets for improvements in key public services.The 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review sets spending plans for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. Further information» HM Treasury

Local authorities may be required to acquire land, property or dwellings in an area to fulfil certain obligations. When they are not able to acquire this by agreement they may seek a Compulsory Purchase Order.Further information » Government Office for the South East

The use of resources for energy. Human energy consumption can be broadly tracked to gross natonal product. Global energy consumption has been increasing since the Industrial Revolution. 

Consumption-based emissions are linked to the human-based activities that use natural resources. Consumption-based emissions are ususally pegged to household consumption and are often calculated per capita. 

Collection of cities and towns that forms one continuous, built-up area due to population growth and expansion.

Established in 1995, the city councils of eight major English regional cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield) work together to set out a vision of the distinctive role that big cities must play in national and regional life.Further information » www.corecities.com 

The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is designed to help local authorities improve local services for their communities. Taking place every three years, it considers how the local authority is run and allocates a ranking.Further information » Department for Communities and Local Government

A Government-funded national initiative, established to develop a bridge between schools and cultural organisations. It aims to provide every pupil with the opportunity to work with creative professionals and organisations to develop creative skills.Further informationPublished in July 2006, Nurturing Creativity in Young People: A report to Government to inform future policy, explores what more the Government can do to develop young people's creativity, including the role of partnerships between schools and the creative and cultural sector.»  www.creative-partnerships.com

Financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They mostly offer savings and loans at competitive rates, often to people unable to access mainstream banking services.Further informationReview of the Great Britain Cooperative and Credit Union Legislation» Association of British Credit Unions Ltd

Statutory partnerships formed following the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which required the police, local authorities and others to work together to tackle crime and disorder within a local authority area.

National charity providing advice and support to a wide range of professional and voluntary agencies working to reduce crime and the fear of crime within local communities.Further information » www.crimeconcern.org.uk

The Egan Review identified that a major challenge to achieving sustainable communities is ensuring that the different professions and disciplines are able to work together effectively, combining expertise, knowledge and experience. We are working with partners to develop learning programmes that bring different professionals together, increase integrated skills and raise awareness of sustainable communities issues.

Variety of cultures and cultural activity within a locality.

Set of objectives produced by local authorities to promote cultural well-being. This became a central government requirement in 2002 as a result of guidance published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).Further informationCreating Opportunities: Guidance for Local Authorities in England on Local Cultural Strategies (pdf) was published by DCMS in 2002, in partnership with the Local Government Association and the Chief Culture and Leisure Officers' Association. Section A of the report sets out government guidance to be followed when undertaking a Local Cultural Strategy, including the scope, benefits, principles and policy context. Section B provides practical help to authorities developing their Local Cultural Strategies.