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Just incase anyone cant open the link here is an overall description of the major points
The overall effect of the Act
Taken together, the measures in the Act mean:
New freedoms and flexibilities for local government
The Act:
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gives local authorities everywhere the formal legal ability and greater confidence to get on with the job of responding to what local people want
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cuts red tape to enable councillors everywhere to play a full and active part in local life without fear of legal challenge
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encourages a new generation of powerful leaders with the potential to raise the profile of English cities, strengthen local democracy and boost economic growth
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enables ministers to transfer functions to public authorities in cities in order to harness their potential to drive growth and prosperity
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reforms the governance of London so that more power lies in the hands of elected representatives who are democratically accountable to London's citizens
New rights and powers for local communities
The Act:
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makes it easier for local people to take over the amenities they love and keep them part of local life
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ensures that local social enterprises, volunteers and community groups with a bright idea for improving local services get a chance to change how things are done
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enables local residents to call local authorities to account for the careful management of taxpayers' money
Reform to make the planning system clearer, more democratic and more effective
The Act:
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places significantly more influence in the hands of local people over issues that make a big difference to their lives
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provides appropriate support and recognition to communities who welcome new development
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reduces red tape, making it easier for authorities to get on with the job of working with local people to draw up a vision for their area's future
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reinforces the democratic nature of the planning system - passing power from bodies not directly answerable to the public, to democratically accountable ministers
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Reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally
The Act:
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enables local authorities to make their own decisions to adapt housing provision to local needs, and make the system fairer and more effective
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gives local authorities more control over the funding of social housing, helping them to plan for the long term
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gives people who live in social housing new ways of holding their landlords to account, and make it easier for them to move
This is, in sum, an Act with the potential to effect a significant change in national life, passing power to a local level, creating space for local authorities to lead and innovate, and giving people the opportunity to take control of decisions that matter to them.
Together with other, wider Government reforms, putting the Act into practice will represent a major milestone towards the transfer of power and control set out in the coalition agreement.
You can find updates about various consultations and guidance about the use of the powers in the Localism Act and about the Department for Communities and Local Government's wider work, at the address below: