Future of London Localism Research Seminar 9th November 2011
Localism in London Jo Wilson
The Localism Context • Coalition Government's commitment to devolving power to the lowest level. • The Localism Bill and Open Public Services White Paper • Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies, neighbourhood planning and new National Planning Policy Framework • Broader context of stagnating growth, cuts and public service reform
London is unique • Global city – business and communities • Mayorality, GLA, Mayoral Development Corporations & Pan-London LEP • 33 local authorities with separate planning, education and health functions. • Most transient and diverse communities in UK with high inequality • Complex array of voluntary, community and neighbourhood groups
Why are we doing this? • Get clear picture of challenges and opportunities of localism for London • Engage proactively with local authorities, community and voluntary sector and practitioners to build coalition of interest • Provoke debate and new thinking on key questions and seek practical and policy solutions • Make recommendations to central and local policy-makers and practitioners to aid implementation and success of the agenda
Challenges
• Population growth - housing shortage, pressure on public services • Climate change • Economic predictions – stagnating growth, rising unemployment • Persistent inequality and deprivation
Opportunities
• Predicted growth in industries such as leisure, health, retail, service and communications industries • Legacy of 2012 • Less bureaucracy and greater local say? • Harnessing community potential?
Localism • Opportunities for boroughs: General Power of Competence, Local Government Resource Review, Community Infrastructure Levy, New Homes Bonus, HRA reform • Opportunities for communities: Neighbourhood Planning, Community Right to Build, Assets of Community Value • NPPF “presumption in favour of sustainable development”
Questions for discussion • Is localism relevant or possible in London? • How will localism interact with the London Plan - will localism help support its objectives? • What will this mean for governance/decision making? • What is needed to make localism work?