AMT Public

AMT’s Practical Localism Conference took place on 26 May 2011 at The Watershed, Bristol.

The event was sponsored by Unity Trust Bank {opens new window}.

Interviews

• Watch interviews with speakers at the Practical Localism Conference here

Presentations

Download presentations from the day:

• ‘Climbing the Localism Ladder‘ {opens pdf} by Chris Wade, Chief Executive, Action for Market Towns
• ‘Creating & Managing Stronger Neighbourhoods‘ {opens pdf} by Richard Medley MRICS MCIH Director, ConsultCIH
• ‘How local authorities can make the most of Community Led Planning‘ {opens pdf} by Alison Eardley, Policy Manager, Action for Market Towns
• ‘Community Led Planning in Practice‘ {opens pdf} by Hilary Ritchie, Regeneration Manager, North Dorset District Council & Community
• Chippenham Vision {opens pdf} by Tim Martienssen, Chippenham Vision Director
• ‘Localism in Wiltshire‘ {opens pdf} by Steve Milton, Wiltshire Council
• ‘Local financial freedoms and business rate reform‘ {opens pdf} by Tom Symons, Senior Researcher, New Local Government Network

Background

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill contains a wide range of measures to devolve more powers to councils to give local communities greater control over local decisions such as housing and planning.

The bill seeks to present a “radical distribution of power” and it will have a huge impact on communities and on local authorities, registered social landlords, town and parish councils and voluntary and community organisations.

New freedoms for local authorities to make social, economic and environmental decisions for their local areas will come with new challenges and opportunities. The implications of changes to the planning system, new financial freedoms, new rights for communities to manage services, and other new powers contained within the legislations are far reaching.

Are you completely prepared for the challenges and opportunities that the bill will present?

Practical Localism helped delegates to navigate these new challenges and opportunities. It was an informative, challenging, practical and productive conference, focusing on key issues of great relevance to organisations who will be affected – and empowered – by the Decentralisation and Localism Bill:

• What opportunities will the bill give to local authorities, registered social landlords and communities?
• How can you make the most of these opportunities?
• Can you effectively give communities a voice?
• Are communities professional enough to provide solutions?
• Using neighbourhood and community-led planning in your locality

Practical Localism provided a unique networking and learning opportunity, with many expert practitioners and policymakers gathered in one place.

Programme

• Download the full programme for the day here {opens pdf}

What next?

• Discuss how you think the Localism Bill will affect your town with other towns in the AMT Forum