NLGN response to the Pre-Budget Report

December 6, 2006

Commenting on today’s (Wed) Pre-Budget Report from the Chancellor, New Local Government Network Director Chris Leslie said:

On the Lyons Inquiry latest news:
“The extension of Sir Michael Lyons’ Inquiry until spring 2007 in order to pull together the recommendations of Barker, Eddington, Leitch reports and the local government White Paper is a welcome opportunity to ensure consistent and comprehensive reform to enhance the leadership role of local authorities across all these areas of public service. We hope that Lyons will use this extra consultation phase in early January to explore how greater devolution of resources to towns and cities is the key to spreading and incentivising economic prosperity.”

On the Planning Gain Supplement:
“The strong commitment to localising 70% of the Planning Gain Supplement revenues is a relief, and it seems fair that the remaining 30% should stay at the regional level. If the use of these revenues is to be dependent on the quality of a local council’s performance, then a useful incentive will be created – although great care will be needed to also help those communities in greatest need of infrastructure investment and economic regeneration. We await the proposed Bill and further news in the Spring Budget with interest.”

On reforms to the Planning System:
“The decision to proceed with an Independent Planning Commission raises important questions about local democratic accountability and the rights of affected residents to be heard in the decision-making process. We urge the Government to make clear their definition of “major infrastructure projects” so that it sees the new Commission intervening sparingly and on large scale infrastructure projects alone, rather than substituting for the legitimate voice of local democracy in reaching decisions.”

On the publication of the PBR document ‘The Future of the Third Sector in Social & Economic Regeneration
“Barry Quirk’s Review of Community Asset Ownership will become even more crucial following the Chancellor’s announcement of the £30million Community Asset Fund, as local authorities may be under new pressures and scrutiny by residents anxious to take up these opportunities. With the Chancellor emphasising the importance of three-year funding stability for the voluntary sector, local government will need to update their budgeting and prioritising processes as expectations will be high.”

Reflecting on the findings of the Varney Review:
“Emphasising the opportunities from joining-up services, and urging the creation of a new ‘change of circumstances’ gateway for the public, are important findings, as will be echoed in NLGN’s forthcoming report ‘The Politics of Shared Services’ due on 15th December.”


Media enquiries James Hulme on 020 7357 0116 or james.hulme@nlgn.org.uk

Notes for Editors:
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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