Community Action Derby
Kim Harper
Localism Act
Background to the
Act
• It was first discussed as an idea and mentioned by Government
(particularly Eric Pickles') early in 2010.
• The proposal to develop the bill was announced in the Queen's
Speech on 24 May last year.
• It's one of the longest pieces of legislation ever to complete its
passage through parliament, taking 18 months.
• The bill now ACT has changed through its various Readings,
Committee and Report Stages in both Houses.
• Some of the government's original proposals have disappeared
completely
• Lobbyists have made some notable victories during the process.
• Supporters of the Bill maintain that never before
has a government devolved so much power to
local councils and communities.
• Critics argue that, it's a 'centralism bill' that
grants the Secretary of State approximately 150
new powers to repeal, amend, revoke or dis
apply any duty on local authorities.
• It received Royal Assent and became statute just
over a week ago.
Some of the detail
• Assets of Community Value (still sometimes
inaccurately referred to as the 'Community Right to Buy')
will ensure that community organisations can ask
councils to list nominated local properties and facilities;
should these community assets then be put up for sale,
there will be 6 months to develop bids to buy them.
• Community Right to Challenge – there was a
campaign to put safeguards in place to prevent national
and profit driven firms from benefiting over local, and
locally valued, service providers. Only time will tell
whether this opens the door for large and unaccountable
service delivery organisations to move in and take over
local public services
Planning
• Neighbourhood Plans - Originally these could be drawn up by as few as three local
people. It will now require a neighbourhood forum of not fewer than 21 members
including local councillors. The forums, will be required to take into account social
and environmental considerations; not just the promotion of local business.
•
Applications for planning permission: local finance considerations – (Cash for
Sprawl ) There was strong opposition to this clause. Local planning consent can be
effectively 'bought', through financial incentives including the Community
Infrastructure Levy and the New Homes Bonus.
•
Core Cities This will allow the Secretary of State for Communities and Local
Government to devolve further powers to cities at their request, without the need for
additional legislation.
Didn’t get in!
• A certain proportion of local voters to trigger a local referendum on any local issue abandoned because of the possible cost.
• Referendums in 11 English cities on whether or not to elect a mayor, the proposal to
appoint 'shadow mayors‘ has been dropped.
• Combining the functions of elected mayor and council chief executive in one role.
My Concerns
• Localism and Open Public Services Bill- mean a
significant impact on the country
• Empowers the loudest voice or sharpest elbow
• Equality- where is it? It isn’t fairness!
• Where are the accountability frameworks
• Freedom of Information Act – will not apply on
outsourced services
• Statutory sector founded to provide equity –
being dismantled for a free market?
Thank you
Any Questions?