Plain action localism

Plain Action PMG14th July 2011

LocalismThe impact and opportunities

for Rural Communities

“There's nothing milk and

honey about localism.

There's nothing easy about it –

there's no guidance manual.

That isn't really the point.

Localism won't deliver homogenous,

bland, uniform public services. This is about pushing power

outwards, downwards as far as possible. And all the possibilities

that arise from local communities seizing power themselves. And

taking on the responsibilities and the consequences of getting

things right and getting them wrong.”

The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP - Localism and the public services revolution15 June 2011 http://www.communities.gov.uk/speeches/corporate/localism

Brief overview

Issues for Rural Communities • Centralisation or just premature – significant aspects to be delivered

through secondary regulation

• Sustainable development – how to ensure growth and protect the environment

• Strategic v. localism – between national and local government and local government and communities

• Entrepreneurship v. inclusion – impact of articulate communities and articulate voices within a community

• Empowering v. moribund parish councils – should they have a privileged position in this?

• Cost, cost and more costs....... Who pays?

Sustainable Development

Rural Policy Statement

Choice – wherever possible we will increase choice

Decentralisation – Power should be decentralised to the lowest appropriate level

Diversity – Public services should be open to a range of providers

Fairness – We will ensure fair access to public services

Accountability – Public services should be accountable to users and taxpayers.

http://www.openpublicservices.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/

The Rural Dimension

Questions & discussions