The much anticipated white paper was published this week and has some encouraging hooks for local councils, but the devil will be in the detail as the proposals progress.
Whilst parish and town councils are briefly referenced, the sector will want to understand and be part of developing the detail around a number of aspects covered in the paper. Questions that need further understanding relate to:
- Funding and how to unlock this for the tier of government closest to communities?
- How to get larger authorities thinking more strategically about how they might benefit from the devolution of assets and services into local councils?
- Where do the planning reforms leave Neighbourhood Plans?
- Will the creation of a regionally focused further distance local councils from decision making and having their voice heard?
Take time to have a read of the white paper and also see the speech made by Angela Rayner MP when it was presented to Parliament.
READ: English Devolution White Paper
READ: Speech by Angela Rayner MP
READ: Planning Reform to target 1.5m new homes
