As someone who consistently has been an advocate of greater local powers for local people long before getting involved with politics, the new Localism Bill offers our Thanet residents the greatest opportunity to shape our neighbourhoods.
No more centralised bodies telling us what sort of development is needed; clear obligations for local authorities and developers to take note of public opinion; and also the freedom for residents to improve, renovate and extend their properties through consultation with their neighbours, but without the need for lengthy or expensive planning processes.
There are two issues that i am particularly pleased are included and follow strong representation on my part - firstly the renovation of buildings that have been out of use will attract the same financial incentives as if the local authority consented to new build homes, as we must get to grips with our empty properties. In addition there will be a strengthening of enforcement - a bug bear of mine when so many people overtly flout the laws.
The Bill includes opportunities for the community to buy assets that are deemed of public interest or function - museums; shops; post offices and pubs - or to offer to run these services instead of the local authority. While referenda are on offer with a 5% threshold of local electors to trigger a referendum on an issue of concern to the public.
This is great time to get involved with your local residents association; join your local civic society; or form your own street group.
But with these powers there are responsibilities - the need to ensure that groups include those who do not traditionally get involved with community action; that new housing needed for local families is available and that local concern is not only focused on our beauty spots but also about improving the living environment for everyone in Thanet.
Monday 10 January 2011
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"referenda are on offer with a 5% threshold of local electors to trigger a referendum on an issue of concern to the public"
ReplyDeleteIn general the Coalition's democracy reforms are, at face value, worthwhile. But they are not yet perfect. The result of this sort of referendum, according to the Localism Bill, will not bind the council, it will be only advisory. This would cause frustration among voters, who have put a lot of effort into a proposal, only to be told that their decision will be ignored ...
More about democracy reform, localism and related is at http://www.iniref.org/