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Localism

Could your local council run prisons and cop shops?

By:
Published May 17, 2011, in Politics


The New Local Government Network wants MPs to think radically as the Localism Bill enters its report stage this week, urging them to push the principles of Localism to the limit.

Director Simon Parker says:

“Measures such as the proposed community ‘right to bid’ have the potential to turn government upside down – giving communities radical new powers over their councils. Now we need to see the relationship between central and local government similarly upended, with councils given the right to bid for central government services – making a case to take over aspects of service areas such as welfare, criminal justice and policing”

Read the whole statement here.

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Localism: work in progress, but room to lead and shape

By:
Published March 23, 2011, in LEPs


Victoria Square, in central Birmingham

Image via Wikipedia

I attended the British Property Federation briefing event on the Localism Bill with some co-conspirators this evening. Turley Associates (planning consultants), Birmingham City Council and PPS (public affairs) provided the speakers. Wragge & co were in charge of the rather nice canapés.

As Andrew Round from BCC commented, it’s difficult to philosophically argue with the localism cause. The UK, even after devolution, is far too centrally run and regulated. It’s also true that much of the Coalition Government’s localism policy leaves a little to be desired when it comes to the detail, not least in terms of the planning process.

I was, however, disappointed by the mood and tone of the event. Very negative and cynical. One might even suggest that the property and legal types don’t like the idea of change – and the impact it will have on their lives and businesses.

Localism is good and it’s happening. Not brilliant and pretty in parts, but the direction of travel is right.

The subject of LEPs inevitably reared its head. Inevitably too, there was much chuntering on the vagueness and LEPs boundaries, powers and budgets. Fine, they are another imperfect policy.

Continues…

 
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