1. Walsall Partnership Board 24 January 2011 The Localism Bill Clive Wright Director 01922 654707 wrightclive@walsall.gov.uk

2. New freedom and flexibility for local authorities New rights and power for communities Reform to the planning system Reform so that decisions over housing are taken locally

3. Big Government Big Society

4. New Freedom and Flexibility for Local Authorities General Power of Competence Councils will have the power to do what they want, provided it does not break the law. Abolition of Standards Board Standards Board abolished, but now a criminal offence to with-hold or misrepresent a personal interest. Clarifying the Rules on Predetermination Councillors can talk to and represent communities on local planning issues. Directly Elected Mayors Referendums to decide upon elected mayors.

5. New Rights and Powers for Communities Local Referendums Community has the right to suggest a vote on any local issue. Right to Veto Excessive Council Tax Rise A right to a local vote if the council sets council tax rise above a government-set ceiling. Community Right to Challenge Local groups have the right to express an interest in taking over a local Service. Community Right to Bid Local authorities must maintain a list of assets of community value Communities can nominate to the list When such assets come up for sale the community has the right to bid

6. Reform to the Planning System (1) Abolition of Regional Strategies No regional housing strategies. Neighbourhood Planning Neighbourhood Development Plans – Communities can come together to say what they want/think about future development. This to be put in a plan. Local authorities to provide technical support.

7. Reform to the Planning System (2) Community Right to Build Groups of local people have the right to bring forward small development. Consultation Before Large Planning Applications Developers must consult communities before submitting large planning applications.

8. Reform to the Planning System (3) Strengthening Enforcement Rules Power to tackle abuse of planning system – e.g. misleading applications. Reforming Community Infrastructure Levy A levy on developers used to develop local infrastructure.

9. Reform to the Planning System (4) Reform the Way Local Plans are Made Less interference from government – reporting planning to local communities rather than government inspectors. Duty to Cooperate A duty on public bodies to work together on planning issues (e.g. flooding). National Significant Infrastructure Projects Significant project decisions to be taken by ministers (e.g. rail lines).

10. Housing Decisions to be Taken Locally (1) Social Housing Tenure Reform Future tenants offered fixed-term (minimum 2 years, but extendable). Social Housing Allocations Reform Power for local authorities to decide who is eligible for social housing. Reform of Homelessness Legislation Homeless people will not be able to refuse accommodation offered in the private rented sector.

11. Housing Decisions to be Taken Locally (2) Reform of Council House Finance Council house rent will be retained locally. National Home-swap Scheme Help for social tenants to swap homes. Reform of Social Housing Regulation  Tenant service authority abolished  New watch-dog for complaints to be set up  Landlords expected to hold tenant panels