Walsall Partnership Board

24 January 2011

The Localism Bill

Clive WrightDirector01922 654707

wrightclive@walsall.gov.uk

New freedom and flexibility for local authorities New rights and power for communities Reform to the planning system Reform so that decisions over housing are

taken locally

Big Government Big Society

New Freedom and Flexibility for Local Authorities

General Power of CompetenceCouncils will have the power to do what they want, provided it does notbreak the law.

Abolition of Standards BoardStandards Board abolished, but now a criminal offence to with-hold or misrepresent a personal interest.

Clarifying the Rules on PredeterminationCouncillors can talk to and represent communities on local planningissues.

Directly Elected MayorsReferendums to decide upon elected mayors.

New Rights and Powers for Communities

Local ReferendumsCommunity has the right to suggest a vote on any local issue.

Right to Veto Excessive Council Tax RiseA right to a local vote if the council sets council tax rise above agovernment-set ceiling.

Community Right to ChallengeLocal groups have the right to express an interest in taking over a localService.

Community Right to Bid Local authorities must maintain a list of assets of community value Communities can nominate to the list When such assets come up for sale the community has the right to bid

Reform to the Planning System (1)

Abolition of Regional Strategies

No regional housing strategies.

Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Development Plans – Communities cancome together to say what they want/think about futuredevelopment. This to be put in a plan. Local authorities toprovide technical support.

Reform to the Planning System (2)

Community Right to Build

Groups of local people have the right to bring forwardsmall development.

Consultation Before Large Planning Applications

Developers must consult communities before submittinglarge planning applications.

Reform to the Planning System (3)

Strengthening Enforcement Rules

Power to tackle abuse of planning system – e.g. misleading applications.

Reforming Community Infrastructure Levy

A levy on developers used to develop local infrastructure.

Reform to the Planning System (4)

Reform the Way Local Plans are Made

Less interference from government – reporting planning to local communities rather than government inspectors.

Duty to Cooperate

A duty on public bodies to work together on planning issues (e.g. flooding).

National Significant Infrastructure Projects

Significant project decisions to be taken by ministers (e.g. rail lines).

Housing Decisions to be Taken Locally (1)

Social Housing Tenure Reform

Future tenants offered fixed-term (minimum 2 years, but extendable).

Social Housing Allocations Reform

Power for local authorities to decide who is eligible for social housing.

Reform of Homelessness Legislation

Homeless people will not be able to refuse accommodation offered in the private rented sector.

Housing Decisions to be Taken Locally (2)

Reform of Council House Finance

Council house rent will be retained locally.

National Home-swap Scheme

Help for social tenants to swap homes.

Reform of Social Housing Regulation

Tenant service authority abolished New watch-dog for complaints to be set up Landlords expected to hold tenant panels