Localism Bill

The Government's flagship Localism Bill was published on Monday 13 December 2010. Running to 406 pages, with 207 clauses and 24 schedules, it is an extremely significant piece of legislation which looks to devolve decision-making powers from Whitehall to communities and their local democratically-elected representatives.

There are seven parts to the bill:

1. Local government – including a General Power of Competence for councils, new arrangements for governance of local authorities including directly-elected mayors, amendments relating to standards and pay accountability proposals.

2. EU fines – giving ministers the power to require local authorities to make payments in respect of EU fines.

3. Non-domestic rates – including discretionary relief on non-domestic relief, automatic small business relief, and the cancellation of back-dated non-domestic rates.

4. Community empowerment – including local referendums, council tax referendums, and community rights to challenge and to buy.

5. Planning – including the abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies, the use of the Community Infrastructure Levy, new powers for neighbourhood planning, and new rules for nationally-significant infrastructure projects.

6. Housing – including powers to discharge homeless duties, tenure reform for social housing, abolition of the Housing Revenue Account subsidy and reform of housing finance.

7. London – including new housing and regeneration functions for the GLA, powers to set up Mayoral Development Corporations, and GLA governance issues. Find out what you can do to help lobby on the bill – this area is for member councils only.

This page will keep you up to date on the progress of the bill, with links to debate summaries, LGA briefings, and amendments as they are made.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Thomas Coales, Public Affairs and Campaigns Advisor
Email: thomas.coales@local.gov.uk
Telephone: 0207 664 3110