Following the decisive SNP election victory, their election manifesto should be a clear guide to expected Scottish Government actions. Promises include:

• A Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill, which will “make it easier for communities to take over underused or unused public sector assets, and include measures to enable communities to deal more effectively with derelict or unused property in their area. This will act as a catalyst for a wide range of community activities and enterprises”.
• Take forward a pilot project “to allow communities to submit proposals for local transformation that encompass a range of potential funders” and “work with funders to develop mechanisms for more effective multi-agency response” to regeneration issues
• Give Community Councils greater relevance and more opportunities to make a difference for the areas they represent
• Encourage the expansion of community radio
• Develop the use of Community Benefit Clauses across the wider public sector and introduce a Sustainable Procurement Bill to…support the greater use of social and environmental benefit clauses
• Continue to support the expansion of community renewables and look to move to a self-financing scheme.