Liberal Democrats support Sustainable Communities (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats support Sustainable Communities

November 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Councillors in York are supporting new legislation which will give York residents a say in developing solutions to promote economic, social and environmental well-being in the city.

City of York Council, along with each council across the country, has recently been invited by the Government to submit proposals for such schemes, under the new Sustainable Communities Act. There is no requirement on City of York Council to 'opt in' to the processes of the Act, but the Liberal Democrats are keen to embrace it, and use its powers to the benefit of residents in York. They are therefore proposing a motion to Council next week, welcoming the Act.

The Sustainable Communities Act allows Councils to request the transfer of powers from central government to local government, in order to implement schemes which may promote and encourage:

· Local jobs and businesses (providing funding for recovering or starting up businesses)

· Improved bus service

· Affordable housing

· Healthy local food (helping local suppliers)

· Tackling pollution and climate change

· Tackling food and fuel poverty

The Act is designed to use ideas from local residents who know best what needs to be done to improve the sustainability of their area, and use powers granted by central government (which Councils do not ordinarily have) to make these improvements.

The Sustainable Communities Act was co-sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Julia Goldsworthy, and received cross-party support in the House of Commons. Cllr Keith Aspden (Lib Dem Councillor for Fulford) is proposing the motion, and hopes it will also receive cross-party support at the Council meeting on 27th November.

He said, "The Liberal Democrats are encouraging residents and community groups to suggest schemes for improving the economic, social or environmental well-being of their local area. This new piece of legislation could be very useful to York residents. It is designed to strengthen the role of local communities, allowing people to decide what they think needs to be done to promote sustainability."

Ideas generated by residents, businesses, community groups or charities, parish councils and councillors must be proposed to City of York Council. Proposals cannot be made without the involvement, and agreement, of a panel of representatives of local people. If the proposals are agreed locally, they will then be submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who will hopefully approve them and grant powers to City of York Council to implement them.

Cllr Aspden added, "The Liberal Democrats are supporting this both locally and nationally, as it will really break down the barriers between local people and government. Local individuals and organisations will be asked to participate in decision-making, and for the first time, the Government will be required by law to cooperate and try to reach agreement with local people. Local knowledge and opinions will be given the importance they deserve."

"I am keen to support any measures to help create a more sustainable community in Fulford, and look forward to working with interested local residents following this motion."