One year into the Localism Act, there are numerous examples of devolution to community level in London. This can take many forms, from the work of Neighbourhood Forums, the establishment of the first parish level council in Queen’s Park, and the growing interest in high street renewal through empty shops initiatives and establishment of Business Improvement Districts.
In an era of double dip recession, enormous public sector cuts and stagnating growth, all of these activities have the potential to reduce Boroughs’ burden to deliver the full scope of its services. However questions remain over the capacity of London’s communities to take advantage of many of the enabling powers that were passed to them. In March 2012, when Future of London surveyed Borough planning and regeneration officers about the potential impact of Localism policies related to planning, the community powers were deemed likely to have the least impact on planning and regeneration in the Capital.
On the other hand, some examples of local community influence long precede the Localism Act. But with the agenda more in the public eye than ever before, are more of London’s communities seizing the opportunities presented to them? And what is the real potential for these community groups to shape their local areas?
Future of London will continue to carry out work on these themes, and we will be organising events and publishing papers throughout the year.
Events
Future of London is not currently planning any events under this theme.
For an archive of Future of London’s past events on communities, click here.
To view all upcoming Future of London events, click here.
Key Publications
| Localism in London: The implications for planning and regeneration in the Capital Anna Turley and Jo Wilson, Future of London, March 2012 This report sets out the implications of the localism agenda for planning and regeneration practitioners. It features the results of a London-wide survey on the impact new financing and delivery tools will have for London Boroughs. |
| The Localism Bill in London Joanna Wilson, Future of London, September 2011 This new policy briefing provides detail on the reforms contained in the Localism Bill, including new powers and revenue streams, and measures designed to encourage active neighbourhood involvement in development. |
To access all of Future of London’s publications, click here.
News
- Business Improvement Districts on the rise December 7, 2012 With 30 Business Improvement Districts in London and more underway, local authorities should be exploring BIDs.
- Localism, planning & community empowerment November 26, 2012 Our recent seminar brought together speakers from London boroughs, Neighbourhood Forums, and business.
- Free Breakfast Seminar: Localism, Planning & Community Empowerment October 4, 2012 We will be running a breakfast seminar looking at the impact of the Localism Act one year on.
- London councillors feel the strain September 24, 2012 Market research agency Comres have found local councillors to be feeling disempowered, lacking faith in the efficacy of planning reform, and under ever growing financial strain.
- Will planning reform deliver local growth and empower communities? April 4, 2012 Research suggests that London's planning experts feel the inclement economic climate is holding back regeneration efforts. Read Anna Turley's full post.