Localism

Local communities will have a much greater say in how their neighbourhoods are run under new proposals outlined in the Localism Bill. These include allowing communities to veto excessive Council Tax rises, bid to save assets of community value and to shape their local areas through neighbourhood plans.

The Localism Bill aims to strengthen local democracy and give local people the freedom to run their lives and neighbourhoods in their own way.

Measures outlined in the Bill include:

Public right to veto excessive Council Tax rises

The public will be able to approve or veto excessive Council Tax rises. Any local authority setting an increase above a certain amount will trigger a referendum in their area. If councils want to increase Council Tax beyond a specified level, they will have to prove the case to voters.

Community 'Right to Challenge'

Voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, parish councils and local authority employees delivering a service will be able to challenge a local authority to let them run that service.