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Bolingbroke Parish Council. THE LOCALISM BILL Key Proposals Summarised By Steve Lumb. The Government’s Vision. Based on - Freedom, Fairness & Responsibility Fundamental change in the relationship between the citizen and the state
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Bolingbroke Parish Council THE LOCALISM BILL Key Proposals Summarised By Steve Lumb
The Government’s Vision Based on - Freedom, Fairness & Responsibility • Fundamental change in the relationship between the citizen and the state • Individuals and communities have more power and responsibility • Freedom from top-down controls • Extending transparency to every area of public life
Localism BillIntroduced to Parliament on 13th December 2010But no real affect until after April 2012 “This Government trusts people to take charge of their lives and we will push power downward and outwards to the lowest level, including individuals, neighbourhoods, professionals & communities as well as local Councils and other local institutions” • Lift the burden of bureaucracy • Empower communities to do things their way • Inrease local control of public finances • Diversify the supply of public services • Strengthen accountability to local people
Large Bill – 2 Volumes – 431 Pages – 207 Sections in 8 Parts & 24 Schedules
Regional Strategies to be revoked • No housing targets and requirements set centrally or regionally • Local Councils and communities to determine • Incentives for Councils to allow houses Satisfy national housing needs?
Neighbourhood Development Plans • Any ‘qualifying body’ (Parish Council? Civic Society?) can begin a process for requiring a Council to make a Neighbourhood Plan • Needs more than 50% of those who vote in a referendum to want one • Provisions for Councils to be paid expenses for making Plans • Examined Independently – another referendum?
Neighbourhood Development Orders • A Parish Council or a ‘neighbourhood forum’ (individuals living or wanting to live in an area and three members already living in the area) can initiate a process of requiring a Council to make an Order • An Order grants planning permission in relation to a neighbourhood area – for a specific development or use – development without pp • Council must make the Order if more than 50% voting in a referendum say ‘yes’. Then another referendum on approval?
Community Right to Build Orders • Is a particular type of Neighbourhood Development Order • Related to a proposal by a specific community group • Grants permission for a specified development on a specified site
Consultation • Prospective developers MUST consult local communities in advance of a planning application • Must then have regard to comments
Enforcement • Flyposting • Retrospective applications when enforcement notice served • Ability for Council’s to double fees for retrospective planning applications
Other Provisions • Pre-determination - relaxation • Local Referendums and right to challenge – 5% of Electorate • Communities can bid to run local services • Assets of Community Value • Abolishment of Standards Boards • Ability for Councils to adopt former Committee system