Agenda item

This report provides an update on the Localism Act and invites the Panel to consider how best to incorporate the provisions contained in the Act into its work programme.

The Economic and Community Development Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel is asked to agree that:

·  It notes the key provisions contained within the Localism Act as set out in the Appendix  “Plain English Guide”

·  It receives a brief presentation on the key issues contained in the Act  which impact on the Panel’s remit

·  It considers how best to consider the implementation and impact of the Act’s provisions into its programme of work.

The Chairman invited Andy Thomas to introduce the report and give the presentation to the Panel.

Andy Thomas highlighted the following points in his presentation:

·  Update

o  Received Royal Assent on 15^th Nov 2011

o  Awaiting detailed guidance

o  2 Member sessions held in Jan 2012 and number of sessions with Parishes and Town Councils

·  Key issues for the ECD Panel

o  Economic Enterprise and Business Development

o  Big Society/3^rd Sector funding and development

o  Improve the quality of life and narrowing the gap between communities

·  ‘Toolkit’ for local communities and elected Members

A full copy of the presentation from Andy Thomas is available on the minute book in Democratic Services.

The Panel made the following points:

The Chairman suggested that the Panel should receive regular updates from officers.  The Panel agreed with that suggestion.

The Chairman also asked that the Localism Act guidance be shared with all Members of the Council, including Town and Parish Councillors.  The Chairman also suggested for officers to research what the other Local Authorities are doing in this area.

Members of the Panel asked about the Council’s powers, as per Localism Act, to alter business rates levy and what would be the role of the Panel on that matter.

Andy Thomas replied that the Council will have the power to adjust business rates according to the provisions in the Localism Act.  The Panel might have specific reports on that subject brought to them within their economic development remit.

The Panel asked if neighbourhood forums are set only for neighbourhood planning.

Andy Thomas replied that criteria for neighbourhood forums will be set out in the guidance.  The guidance will provide information about involvement of elected Members in those forums.  Initially, the Government had envisaged that neighbourhood forums would have a role only relating to neighbourhood planning.  However, neighbourhood forums are referred to in another part of the Localism Act. When the officers have more details this it will be reported to the Panel.

The Panel asked what will happen with the Council Tax if community group take over running of existing local facility or service from the Council (under Community Right to Challenge tool).

Andy Thomas replied that Council Tax funding arrangements remain the same.  The Community Right to Challenge does nothing more than trigger a procurement process with budget-setting remaining with the Council.

Members of the Panel suggested that the Cabinet should consider updating the Economic Development Strategy according to the powers that the Localism Act gives to Local Authorities, in particular to lower business rates when considering investment in regeneration areas (e.g. London Road).

Members of the Panel also commented that officers should provide updated training for Members (Parish, Town and Council) once the final guidance on Localism Act is issued.

It was RESOLVED to:

1.  Note the report and presentation;

2.  Request from the officers to provide regular updates on the provision of Localism Act, especially on issues that are within Panel’s remit;

3.  Ask the Cabinet to consider updating the Economic Development Strategy according to the powers that the Localism Act gives to Local Authorities, in particular to lower business rates when considering investment in regeneration areas (e.g. London Road); and

4.  Request from the officers to provide updated training for Members (Parish, Town and Council) once the final guidance on Localism Act is issued.