Legislative Programme to strengthen local democracy

Published	14 May 2008

DLP logo Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Housing Minister Caroline Flint today welcomed measures set out in the Draft legislative programme that will support the Governments ambition of creating thriving communities where people have the homes they need and greater influence over the decisions that affect their daily lives.

The draft programme proposes a Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic regeneration Bill and a Business Rates Supplements Bill for the 4th session and a housing reform green paper, towards the end of the year.

At the heart of the Bill will be plans to give local people a bigger voice to shape local services and neighbourhoods; and give greater powers to regions in order that they have the tools they need to respond to the challenges they face and drive economic regeneration.

Alongside the Bill the Government will publish a housing reform green paper setting out proposals to provide housing services and options which help and encourage people towards greater economic independence and social mobility and to deliver greater fairness and make best use of our resources.

The draft legislative programme will also set out Government's intention to publish a Business Rates Supplement Bill which will give local areas greater powers to drive economic regeneration. The Bill will create a new power for the highest tier local authority in an area to levy a local supplement on the business rate and to retain the proceeds for investment in that area.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:

"Over the last decade we have seen the transformation of our communities and our public services. But that transformation is still ongoing. If we want to go further and make change long lasting then we need to unlock the potential of local people and involve them in shaping their services and their communities.

"That means reinvigorating and strengthening local democracy, giving local people the tools to scrutinise, to make decisions on funding and services and giving a bigger say to everyone who wants to make their community a better and more prosperous place to live.

"Carving out a clearer role for regional and local government is vital in creating thriving, prosperous communities. We are devolving decision making and delivering further freedoms to local and regional government which will in turn drive economic growth. Local areas will have the powers and incentives to take the lead on planning for jobs, homes, investment and the environment."

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:

"Housing is much more than just a roof over someone's head. It is fundamental to the choices, life chances and opportunities they have. We want to ensure that the housing people have supports their aspirations and allows them to flourish.

"We know that active communities are safer and more prosperous. And so we will ensure that social tenants have a real say in the way their housing is managed and the service they receive.

"In the forthcoming green paper we will set out plans for improving the contribution that housing, both in the private rented and social sector, can play in improving social mobility and independence at the same time as promoting fairness and value for money."

Housing Minister Caroline Flint has today also set out a package of new support to help first time buyers into affordable home ownership.

Notes to editors

1. An outline of the DLP can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/draftprogramme (external link). A more detailed analysis of it, including the opportunity to comment on the proposals, can be made online at: www.CommonsLeader.gov.uk/YourVoice (external link).

2. The website contains an easy to read form of this green paper and access to a You Tube site. It also contains details of regional events being held by Regional Ministers. During the consultation period, this will feature videos of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Commons and other Ministers talking about the DLP.

3. The Leader of the House of Commons and other Cabinet Ministers will take part in interactive online question and answer sessions (webchats). Details of these will also be published on the website.

4. A summary leaflet setting out the themes and bills of the DLP, which also gives the public details of how to find out more and the methods of submitting comments, is available on the website, or in paper copy on request. Copies will also be available in public libraries.

Updated 8 August 2008

On 14 May 2008 the Government published the Draft Legislative Programme for 2008-2009. A public consultation on the programme concluded on 6 August 2008. Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation either by completing the consultation questionnaire, commenting on an individual bill or suggesting new bills. The Government will now be considering the responses received during the consultation and will publish a summary of responses in the autumn, ahead of the Queen's Speech which will take place on 3 December 2008. Visit the Draft Legislative Programme 2008-2009 (external link) for further information.