Localism
The Localism Bill received Royal Assent to become an Act on 15th November 2011 and will come into operation in Spring/Summer 2012.
The aim of the Act is to shift power from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. The five main areas covered by the act are:
1. Community Rights
2. Neighbourhood Planning
3. Housing
4. Empowering cities and other local areas
5. General power of competence
According to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the Localism Act “will set the foundations for the big society by radically transforming the relationships between central government, local government, communities and individuals. The provisions will devolve greater power and freedoms to councils and neighbourhoods, establish powerful new rights for communities, revolutionise the planning system, and give communities much more control over housing decisions”.
GRCC has run two sets of consultations about the Localism Act and related regulations
One in April 2011 about Community Rights to Bid and Challenge
One in November/ December 2011 about Neighbourhood Planning regulations
The handouts, presentation and consultation response for the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations consultation can be found on the right hand panel on this page.