1 Localism Rob Tinlin Chief Executive Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Inter-faith summit 2012

Why a Localism Act? Cross party approaches to greater local action and accountability Coalition: end to top-down government Big Government to Big Society Lifting the Burden But … Influenced by the Deficit Reduction 2

3 Localism & Big Society Localism – is the ’ethos’ - is about doing everything at the most local level Decentralisation – ‘process’ – to give power to individuals and communities Big Society – ‘vision’ - is about empowering local communities and making them more responsible

The Government approach to “decentralisation” 4

Localism Act Royal Assent – November 2011 Most measures into force by April 2012 The main strands: –New community rights –New powers/freedom for Councils –New planning regime –New housing framework … plus London & the big cities 5

New Community Rights Community Assets & the Right to Bid Community Right to Challenge Neighbourhood Planning –And all that goes with it Council Tax referenda 6

Community Right to Bid Community groups can bid to buy a ‘community asset’ when it comes onto the market. Council will: Publish the list of nominated assets which meet the criteria: - ‘furthers social wellbeing/interests of the local community’ - it’s realistic to think that this use will continue. - it has been in such use in the ‘recent past’ Maintain a list of assets where nominations have failed. The Act effectively allows a window of opportunity. 7

Community Right to Challenge A right to challenge to deliver specific local services There are exceptions! –And reasons for rejection!! How it will work locally- –Expressions of interest anytime, but…. –Specific annual window for submissions Oct-Nov –Council consideration, and if positive…. Built into the Procurement Plan for formal tendering 8

Community Right to Challenge 9 Voluntary or Community Group Charity Parish Council Council Staff Expression of Interest Council Accept Accept with modification Reject Council undertakes procurement exercise No procurement; Council publishes reason for rejection 12 3

Council freedoms and governance General Power of Competence New Codes of Conduct Register of Interests - breaches become criminal Pay Accountability Choice of Governance style Changing electoral schemes Council Tax referendum 10

Neighbourhood Planning Neighbourhood Forum Neighbourhood Plans Neighbourhood Development Orders Community Right to Build Plus.. National Planning Policy Framework Strengthening enforcement More reforms for growth … 11

Housing More freedom to set waiting list priorities Lifetime tenancies no longer guaranteed Address homelessness through private rented accommodation Reform of housing finance –Abolish the HRA –Hold housing rental income in the community 12

What else? Funding for Academies & Free Schools Council Tax Benefit & Business Rates localisation Welfare reform - Universal Credit etc … Police & Crime Commissioners & Panels The new NHS & public health transfer to Councils Community Budgets City Deal Growth & Infrastructure Bill … …. a longer Age of Austerity 13

Community engagement Consultations: - Eg: Budget; Health & Wellbeing Strategy; Council Tax scheme etc… Forums: Older People; Youth Council; Business; Carers, Ethnic Minority Forums; Links/Health Watch; Inter-Faith Working Group etc.. Partnership Working: Eg Leaders Advisory Group; Community Safety, Health & Wellbeing; Childrens etc.. Empowering programmes: Eg Motivate the Estate; Active Citizens; Community Cohesion Champions etc.. Voluntary & Community Sector: Community Commissioning; In-Year Grants programme 14

What are the pressures we face? 15

Our challenges? What are the pressures we face? – Economy – Benefit changes – Poverty – Skills & employment – Health inequality – Community engagement & cohesion A changing role for the Council? 16

The BIG Challenge How do we best address the needs of our community together? 17