Mike Cox's Leader's Column November 2009

7.42.00pm GMT Fri 27th Nov 2009

Wouldn't it be wonderful if local residents could protect local pubs, support local post offices, save local services, including police stations, increase local involvement in democratic decision making and strengthen the planning process to protect local residents?

Do I live in a dream world? Well no. Actually there is a new piece of legislation which does just that.

In 2007 Conservative MP Nick Hurd sponsored Bill known as the Sustainable Communities Bill which, with the support of MP's from across the political divide, was passed into law.

The Act was promoted by a coalition of organisations called Local Works (www.localworks.org). It introduces a new process whereby Communities and Local Authorities have to reach agreement on proposals for government action to promote sustainable communities.

Councils who decide to use the Act must set up panels of local representatives. These panels can make proposals originated by local residents and look at proposals made by the Council.

The council have a "duty to reach agreement" with the panels - not just to consult, then do their own thing. Councils then have to pass these proposals to Central Government which also has the same duty to reach agreement.

The first round of these proposals was due to be delivered on the 31st July 2009 but Hillingdon Council have seen fit not to sign up to the Act at this stage. The Conservatives in Harrow have, Liberal Democrats in Kingston have as also have Labour in Hackney.

If you think this is a good idea as I do, then please you should write to the Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Puddifoot, C/O Civic Centre, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1UW and tell him so.