The Localism Act 2011 was introduced by the coalition government as part of a continuing process of devolution, transferring power from central government to local government, particularly the financial autonomy to use their funds in a way which would specifically address local issues. The Act also presents a set of Community Rights designed to empower communities allowing local groups and organisations to influence the way their communities are run. The rights, including a Community Right to Bid, Community Right to Challenge and a Community Right to Build were outlined in a government produced guide “You’ve Got the Power.”
Since their introduction, Community Rights seem to have been widely used by members of communities wanting to make a difference to their local area. In the last two years alone 3,500 community groups have used their Community Right to Bid and taken control of local businesses or services, the first example being The Ivy House Pub in South London which was due to close in 2012 but has since been reopened as a community cooperative.
Also popular is the Community Right to Build and the Neighbourhood Planning scheme enabling communities to influence the develop of their local infrastructure. In the last two years 1,000 community groups have begun planning a build, 80 projects have made it to the draft stages and 13 have had their plans passed.
So whilst there appears to be an enthusiasm for commity engagement in local political decisions there remains a need for a stronger awareness of the rights and schemes available to community groups to ensure more people can benefit from the opportunities offered. There also needs to be an increase in available support; financial and practical information and expertise to allow more people to access these community schemes and more discussion on what happens next in the devolution process.
Why Attend
This event will give all attendees the opportunity to examine and explore policies and schemes currently in place to empower local governments and increase community input on decision making, and so is useful for anyone interested in local government reforms, changes to public service delivery and community engagemnet in projects and cooperatives.
Who should Attend
This event will be ideal for anyone interested in the changing role of local government particularly public service workers. It would also be beneficial to those involved in the running of community groups or voluntary organisations keen to influence local public services and local authority decisions.