West of England Rural Network

www.wern.org.uk

Localism The impact and opportunities

for the First Tier of Local Government

Backwell Parish Council

8th December 2011

West of England Rural Network

• To support & encourage community-led

action and strong local governance

• To increase the long-term sustainability

of local community life

• To influence policies

and services to

achieve equity for

rural communities

West of England Rural Network

• Broadband

• Affordable housing

• Access to Services and Community Transport

• Fuel Poverty and Energy Generation

• Community Planning

• Community Buildings and Assets

• Village Agents

• Social Enterprise Support and Funding Advice

Localism in Context

A Radical Shift of Power

Localism in a Nutshell

• General power of competence

• Abolition of the standards board

• Community right to build

• Community right to challenge

• Community right to bid

• Community right to plan

• Right to veto excessive Council Tax

• Reforming community infrastructure levy

http://consult.n-somerset.gov.uk/gf2.ti/f/266914/5919845.1/pdf/-/Draft Weston Villages SPD.pdf

Sustainable Communities

This country’s rural communities cannot

stand still. Change is inevitable whether

development takes place or not, and the

choices we make today will

shape tomorrow’s character

of the market towns, villages

and hamlets that make up

our countryside.

Matthew Taylor 2008

Community right to plan

General power of competence

Funding

Community Land Trusts

What you have

• Ambition

• Vision

• Potential

• Aspiration

• Ownership

• Pride

• Resources

• Training

• Financial

• Capital

• Assets

• Expertise

• Time

& what you need

West of England Rural Network

www.wern.org.uk

Chris Head Director

01275 333701

chris@wern.org.uk

Tunbridge Mill, Tunbridge Road, Chew Magna, BS40 8SP RuralChris