21 January 2011

The Government’s Localism Bill, which includes major reform of the planning system, new rights and powers for communities and new freedoms for Local Government has its second reading in the House of Commons on 17 January 2011.

 The legislation will now be scrutinised by a Committee of MPs starting on 25 January 2011. It includes plans to reform the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and introduce neighbourhood plans and New Homes Bonus arrangements.

 In the House of Commons, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles stated that the Bill will reverse centralism and replace it with local control. The Bill will fundamentally shake up the balance of power in the UK “putting power back in the hands of the people”.

Response

 A plain English guide to the Localism Bill has also been produced and is available in the link below.

 http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1818597.pdf