Looking Ahead by Pauline Smith, DTAS CEO

This review is not about judging manifestos, it is about setting out, clearly what communities across Scotland say they need in order to flourish and where those needs intersect with the current political debate.

What stands out is that community‑led development is no longer marginal and the language of place, participation, fairness and transition runs through many party manifestos.  That matters and it reflects the progress and drive of communities over many years.

What matters just as much is what happens next.

The experience of development trusts shows that communities succeed when they are trusted with responsibility, backed with long‑term support, and given real control over assets and decisions.  Where those conditions exist, communities deliver whether that is housing, vital social services, climate action, local enterprise or cultural or economic renewal.

DTAS is ready to work with the next Scottish Government and our focus is practical and embedded in the needs of the communities we work with.  Getting the systems right so community‑led action is viable in every part of Scotland, not just in spite of the odds or through necessity but because grassroots community-led action and delivery works.

The DTAS manifesto sets out that offer clearly and it is grounded in what communities are already doing and in what they are ready to do next.  With the right partnership between communities and government, Scotland can build an approach that is local, democratic, sustainable and fair – not as an aspiration, but as the best way to do things.

Read our full review here – Party Manifesto review Apr26 v2