The principal aim of this Act is to promote the sustainability of local communities.

In this Act references to promoting the sustainability of local communities, in relation to a local authority, are references to encouraging the improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of the authority's area, or part of its area.

In this section “social well-being” includes participation in civic and political activity.

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to assist local authorities in promoting the sustainability of local communities in the ways specified in this Act.