Communities and neighbourhoods

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill

The Government published the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill on 5 December 2008. This wide-ranging legislation will give communities and local people new rights to have a say in their local services, strengthen local democracy, reform local and regional governance arrangements and implement measures to drive economic regeneration. The Bill will also amend current legislation to ensure prompt cash flow through construction supply chains. Read more about this legislation at http://services.parliament.uk/bills/ (external link). Visit www.commonsleader.gpv.uk (external link) for a summary of the bill.

Strengthening local democracy

At the heart of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill are new rights for the citizen to have more information and influence over the local decisions; new powers to hold politicians to account and, where they choose, more opportunity to get directly involved in managing and shaping how local services are delivered. The Bill continues the Government's programme of housing reform, giving tenants greater say over the decisions that affect their lives through the National Tenant Voice.

The Bill will also legislate for a separate Boundary Committee to establish a strong national body that is impartial, independent and solely focused on overseeing boundary changes (electoral, administrative and structural) in England.

Strengthening economic development

The Bill also addresses economic development with reforms to support regions and local areas in taking action at every level to boost jobs and skills, support businesses. It strengthens the role of local authorities in promoting and delivering economic development and including tools for local authorities to assess economic conditions and support greater collaboration between local authorities in an area, such as statutory Multi-Area Agreements.

It will amend current legislation to ensure prompt cash flow through construction supply chains. The Bill will also take forward proposals from the review of Part 2 of the 'Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996', to ensure fairness in construction contracts.

The Bill is the next step in transforming communities and public services taking forward policies set out in Communities in Control White Paper published by Hazel Blears in July 2008 and proposals set out in the Government's Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR). Further information relating to the Bill can be found under 'Related publications' below and on the 'on this site' links on the right hand side of this page.

Related publications

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