Infrastructure that works for Scottish communities

The Scottish Government’s new Infrastructure Investment Plan (2027–2036) and the supporting Needs Assessment are setting the direction for how Scotland invests over the next decade.  We recently responded to the consultation Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037 – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

There’s a lot to welcome in both documents including a long-term approach and  importantly, a recognition that infrastructure investment needs to be more place-based.

But, community-led infrastructure is not being recognised strongly enough.

Across Scotland, development trusts and community enterprises are already delivering the outcomes the strategy is aiming for. Communities are:

• Repurposing public buildings
• Delivering affordable housing
• Developing renewable energy projects
• Managing land and local assets
• Creating local economic activity

In our consultation response, we made the point that communities should not just be seen as consultees, but as delivery partners, asset owners and long-term stewards of place.  A genuine place-based approach has to put community leadership and ownership at its centre.

We also challenged the continued focus on “driving economic growth” as a central outcome.  Instead, we suggested approaches rooted in community wealth building, wellbeing and inclusive local economies because that’s what many of our members are delivering every day.

The upcoming Live Needs Assessment process is a real opportunity to do things differently and we will actively promote this with our members going forward. Community organisations are often the ones identifying local need, filling service gaps and finding practical solutions.  That knowledge and experience needs to shape infrastructure planning from the start and ongoing over the 30 years that this needs assessment is live.

If Scotland is serious about resilient places, net zero and long-term stewardship, then communities need to be recognised as core infrastructure partners.

At DTAS, we look forward to continuing that conversation and ensuring community-led enterprise is part of Scotland’s infrastructure future.

Read our full response here  Response final