Political Bulletin

Week commencing 28th June 2010

Development, Planning and Property News

• Planning to be simplified in growth areas
  
  The government plans to ease the planning system in growth areas through promoting the use of Local Development Orders by local authorities.
  
  The Treasury has announced plans to publish a white paper later this summer that will encourage a "simplified planning consents process in specific areas where there is potential or need for business growth."
  
  This would be done through encouraging councils to use local development orders, which prevent the need for planning consents for certain forms of development in a specific area.



• White paper to scrap RDAs this summer.
  
  The government is to publish a white paper on regional development later in the summer, including proposals on replacing regional development agencies with local enterprise partnerships. RDAs will be abolished through the “Public Bodies Bill".

Department for Communities and Local Government

• Bob Neill outlines the future of planning
  
  Speaking at the National Planning Forum he said, "We're abolishing this ridiculous system where Whitehall tells communities what they must build, and then dictates when and where they have to build it. Those who make planning decisions will no longer be able to avoid reporting back to those whose lives are directly affected by them.
  
  "Communities will be able to come together and take responsibility for solving their own local challenges in a way that make sense for them. And in return, they will be offered powerful incentives that ensure they see the benefits of the development they welcome.
  
  "But we can't return to localism simply by changing the rules. We need your help to make this work. Planning has its roots in a democratic system that engages local communities. You were there at the beginning, and you will be there again to give communities the real power and real influence they deserve."

The House of Commons

• Jeremy Corbyn introduces debate on Housing Need in London
  
  Westminster Hall, Tuesday 11AM.

The House of Lords

• Local Gov’t bill
  
  Baroness Hanham intrioduces the Locval Government Bill, Thursday after 15:00.

London Mayor and Assembly

• London Councils strike back at Boris’ power grab.
  
  The London Councils thinktank has claimed that attempts by Boris Johnson to absorb the functions of the LDA breaches his strategic role by attempting to provide delivery.
  
  Uit urges its member to lobby on the Decentralisaiton and Localism Bill expected in the Autumn.