Thomas Bridge 03 February 2015

Hand communities more power over services and pubs, say MPs

Communities should be given more power to shape local services, save pubs from closure and build housing, MPs have said.

Members of the Communities and Local Government Committee today urged ministers to undertake sweeping changes to Community Rights measures, which were introduced two years ago to help residents have a greater say over buildings and land.

 

MPs argued residents should be allowed to halt the sale of local pubs nine for months instead of the current six, giving them more time to develop a bid of their own and 'save a much-loved local'.

Councils were called on to explore how to 'more routinely' involve communities in the commissioning and delivery of local services outside of the potentially confrontational Right to Challenge, which MPs branded a 'nuclear option'.

Pressure was also raised to strengthen awareness of where residents can express an interest in local land, alongside removing complexity surrounding community efforts to build housing.

Committee chair, Clive Betts, said: 'The opportunity to take on and run a pub, a post office or a community centre is the opportunity to make a real contribution to local life. But the Government's Community Rights programme currently puts too many obstacles in the way for most local people to turn this opportunity into reality.

'The Government also needs to make people more aware of the Community Rights by focusing on what people want to achieve in their local area and promoting the Rights as one potential solution. As part of this, the Government should redirect some resources to community group umbrella organisations who could provide more face-to-face support and advice.

'We also need new forms of community engagement, particularly in areas of deprivation, so people can develop their skills in community organisation and ultimately use the existing Rights themselves.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner