A New Year heralds new powers
Posted by Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, at 11:57, Tue 11 January 2011:
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.
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Posted by John Smart, 11:58, Wed 12 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
I totally agree with the people having more say in their local affairs, I would like to see a committee of local residents who can challenge the council on their decisions. To be able to see where their rates and local taxes are being spent.And if the local committee felt that somebody employed by the council was not doing hiss job correctly, they should be able to dismiss them, no more jobs for the boys. A couple of years ago when walking with my friends and our dogs in King George V1 park, there was a group of people from the council by the greenhouse drinking champagne and making a lot of noise, which drew our attention, congratulating themselves on having some glass put into the greenhouse. "I think we have done well here ",one said,"lets go and have a dinner down the Royal", It sounded suspicious, but I have no way of knowing whether my rates were involved in this or not, but an independent committee could put my mind at ease
Posted by Colin Goldring, 15:25, Wed 12 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
"This is great time to get involved with your local residents association; join your local civic society; or form your own street group. "
No it isn't - I am far too busy working to pay for 12.5% fare increases, child benefit cuts, VAT hikes and the like.