Localism in London - What's the Story?

The London Assembly Planning Committee’s report ‘Localism in London – What’s the Story’ reviews the evidence, three years on from the introduction of the Localism Act 2011. It finds there is slow progress in the uptake of devolving powers to local communities.

The report highlights that the legislation was designed primarily for smaller, more homogenous areas than can be found in London. London’s complex network of mixed communities with diverse interests seems to make even defining neighbourhood areas a difficult and time consuming process.

The Committee is asking for feedback on the following issues, which it can then take to the Mayor;

Clarifying why progress is so slow

Whether there is sufficient local authority support and

Whether boroughs are interpreting the legislation consistently in London

The Localism Act also introduced new rights for individuals and communities to take over community assets through the Community Right to Bid[3].. The report notes that the use of this part of the Act appears to be more widespread across London. The process is simpler and perhaps reflects something that is more tangible to local people.

Notes for Editors:

1. Read the report ‘Localism in London – What’s the Story’ (below)

2. The first review of community involvement in planning culminated with the publication of a report on the role of neighbourhood plans in February 2012 /sites/default/files/NBH%20Planning_v3%20AB.pdf The Committee followed this up in October 2013 with a review of the progress in London towards establishing neighbourhood planning /moderngov/documents/s29408/13-10-10-Neighbourhood-Planning.pdf and how provisions in the Localism Act that allow the listing of community assets are being used /moderngov/documents/s29409/13-10-10%20Community%20Assets%20Report.pdf

3. The other main new rights are Community Right to Challenge and Community Right to Build

4. Chair of the Planning Committee, Nicky Gavron, is available for interview. See contact details below.

5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

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