Consultation on Sustainable Communities Act

Published	19 February 2008

The Government has published a consultation on the Sustainable Communities Act.

The Act which received royal assent in October allows people to raise issues of local concern that require action by the Government. It recognises that local people know best what needs to be done in their area and provides them a channel through their local council to ask the Government to act.

Issues that can be raised cover any economic, social or environmental issue - from tackling anti-social behaviour or providing more affordable housing to ensuring vibrant town centres and quality parks and play areas.

Local authorities will work with local panels and community groups to put forward recommendations to the Local Government Association who will select and short list issues to raise, where central government can make changes to help local partners deliver.

The Government will work with the LGA and will agree which proposals should be implemented, formally respond to all suggestions they make and publish an action plan each year setting out how it will take them forward.

The Government will also produce local spending reports to provide the public and councils with information about where pubic money is spent to better inform local decisions and consultations.

The consultation will run until the 12 May, and once the regulations have been approved in parliament we will invite proposals by October. We will also consult further on local spending reports in the Summer and implement them in the autumn.