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Press Release

LGA responds to Localism Bill second reading

18 January 2011

Responding to the second reading of the Localism Bill, LGA Chairman Baroness Margaret Eaton, said: "Councils are looking to the Localism Bill to put residents and councillors in control of their local area by freeing them from the bureaucratic tangle of Whitehall regulation.

"The main thrust of the Bill offers many of the things we've been asking for. In particular, giving councils a General Power of Competence provides greater freedom to make decisions based on local needs. We are very pleased to see this long awaited and much-needed measure.

"However, the Bill identifies 142 powers for central government to lay down regulations, issue guidance and otherwise direct how localism will work. We think that threatens to undermine some otherwise positive attempts by Ministers to give people at neighbourhood level greater control over public services and planning.

"We don't believe central government has a role in setting council tax or directing how income from Community Infrastructure Levies should be spent. We will be seeking amendments to give councils greater autonomy on those issues.

"We also want the Bill amended to reduce Whitehall influence over neighbourhood planning, rules governing who can buy local assets like pubs and post offices, and which bodies have the right to bid to deliver local public services."



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