The Localism Act
On 1st February 2012, CVSF held an event in partnership with the Working Together Project, the Trust for Developing Communities, Urban Forum and NAVCA.
We heard from national and local experts on three 'Community Rights' that should benefit local communities when the Localism Act becomes law in April this year. Please follow the links below for 'fact sheets' about each right. These include a summary of key points on the Community Right, notes from the speakers (those who didn't have powerpoint presentations), key points/issues raised by the sector, a record of the question and answer sessions and links to each of the powerpoint presentations.
1. The Community Right to bid for 'Community Assets'
2. The Community Right to Challenge Service Delivery
3. The Community Right to Build and Neighbourhood Planning
The two introductory presentations are available to download here:
Localism and Community Rights - introduction from Richard Beard at NAVCA
Localism and Community Rights - introduction from Toby Blume at Urban Forum
You can also download the attendee list and event evaluation summary.
The Government has launched a new community rights website. It aims to offer a range of support to 'help local communities achieve their ambitions'.
It is also useful to note these key points from the day:
- A strong threat in all of the opportunities is that rich/powerful voices continue to be heard, increasing the gap between rich and poor. Therefore there is a need for local voice to be strong and the council need to act as protectors of the minority voice
- Communities could do a lot of work and get nothing
- The Public Services and Social Value Bill (Chris White MP) is close to becoming law and is designed to ensure 'social value' is a central part of all future public procurement
- One to one support for groups around each one of the rights will be available – this is currently out to tender from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
