Future of LondonLocalism Research Seminar

9th November 2011

Localism in LondonJo Wilson

The Localism Context• Coalition Government's commitment to

devolving power to the lowest level.• The Localism Bill and Open Public Services

White Paper • Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies,

neighbourhood planning and new National Planning Policy Framework

• Broader context of stagnating growth, cuts and public service reform

London is unique• Global city – business and communities• Mayorality, GLA, Mayoral Development

Corporations & Pan-London LEP• 33 local authorities with separate planning,

education and health functions.• Most transient and diverse communities in UK

with high inequality• Complex array of voluntary, community

and neighbourhood groups

Why are we doing this?• Get clear picture of challenges and

opportunities of localism for London• Engage proactively with local authorities,

community and voluntary sector and practitioners to build coalition of interest

• Provoke debate and new thinking on key questions and seek practical and policy solutions

• Make recommendations to central and local policy-makers and practitioners to aid implementation and success of the agenda

Challenges

• Population growth - housing shortage, pressure on public services

• Climate change • Economic predictions – stagnating growth,

rising unemployment• Persistent inequality and deprivation

Opportunities

• Predicted growth in industries such as leisure, health, retail, service and communications industries

• Legacy of 2012• Less bureaucracy and greater local say?• Harnessing community potential?

Localism• Opportunities for boroughs: General Power of

Competence, Local Government Resource Review, Community Infrastructure Levy, New Homes Bonus, HRA reform

• Opportunities for communities: Neighbourhood Planning, Community Right to Build, Assets of Community Value

• NPPF “presumption in favour of sustainable development”

Questions for discussion

• Is localism relevant or possible in London?

• How will localism interact with the London Plan - will localism help support its objectives?

• What will this mean for governance/decision making?

• What is needed to make localism work?