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Localism Bill Wakefield 21 October 2011. Mark Edgell Local Government Association. www.lga.gov.uk. What I'll briefly cover. What is localism Big themes within the Bill Associated changes outside the Bill Consider how meaningful this is Implications for councils and places
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Localism Bill Wakefield 21 October 2011 Mark Edgell Local Government Association www.lga.gov.uk
What I'll briefly cover What is localism Big themes within the Bill Associated changes outside the Bill Consider how meaningful this is Implications for councils and places What should we be doing?
"Localism" Select Committee critical Eric Pickles agreeing? But actually Greg Clark, Eric Pickles etc pretty clear Caroline Flint - slightly more narrow take
Big Themes within the Bill New freedoms and flexibilities for LG New rights and powers for communities and individuals Making planning more democratic and effective Ensuring decisions on housing taken locally Some changes agreed, others possible
Local Governance General power of competence 12 elected mayors following referendums Standards and conduct Predetermination Senior pay policy statement
Communities Repeal duties to promote democracy and public petitions, but….. Referendums and power to veto council tax increases Community right to challenge Community right to buy
Planning Abolition of regional strategies Duty to cooperate on planning Reforming Community Infrastructure Levy Pre-application consultation Neighbourhood Planning Community right to build
Housing Social housing tenure reform Housing finance reform Housing waiting lists Homelessness duty
Associated Changes outside Bill Governance - Inspection and Performance framework, CAA, GOs Crime - Police and Crime Commissioners Health - Health and Wellbeing Boards Other services - Community Budgets (?) Finance
Meaningful Doing more than been done for a long time Intent is clearly there General Power Of Competence - asking for some time But.... - when under pressure? - top down management within the Localism Bill
Implications...1 Localism, freedom not a means in itself - pressure on to deliver solutions on issues that matter General Power of Competence - green light, but will we press accelerator? Services - potentially more responsive and effective - but also potentially atomised - democratic accountability, scrutiny, transparency? Self Regulation and Assurance - pressure on to deliver, otherwise?
Implications.......2 Housing Planning Re-engage and connect local citizens - Involvement, empowerment v opposition - civic pride, voting, attraction of local politics (Other) downsides? - Money- Devolving blame and responsibility for cuts
What should we do? Single most significant piece of legislation on localism for decades - but needs some work Money Do we prepare to "conform"? Are we up for the opportunities? Real change driven by people and councils working together in their local communities
Mark.Edgell@local.gov.uk 07747 636 910