NLGN reaction to Queen’s Speech

November 15, 2006

Reacting to today’s Queen’s Speech, the New Local Government Network think tank have released to following statement:

We welcome the Local Government Bill, which should be able to proceed through Parliament with all-party support, given that the more contentious issues are currently sitting with Sir Michael Lyons’ Inquiry. Although we expect the Lyons Inquiry recommendations to be considered over the course of 2007 and into the Comprehensive Spending Review, we urge the Government to react more quickly to Sir Michael’s thoughts, given the available legislative opportunity in this Local Government Bill.

In announcing that reforms to the planning system are imminent, we hope that the Chancellor’s Pre Budget Report will conclude that Planning Gain Supplement should allocate a more stable revenue source for local authorities, rather than sequestering section 106 monies to the national Exchequer.

We hope that the Road Transport legislation will also take a strongly devolutionist approach, as local leadership is far more likely to be sensitive and accountable to road users than officials based in Whitehall. A national approach to local congestion issues is likely to be too detached and remote to work effectively.

Climate Change legislation must recognise the vast carbon-reducing opportunities which local energy efficiency measures and micro-generation can offer – and we hope that the new laws empower local leaders to actively shape new-build developments and promote new energy saving initiatives.

ENDS

Media enquiries James Hulme on 020 7357 0116 or 07779264938

Notes for Editors:

1. The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities.


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