The document discusses the opportunities and impacts of localism for first-tier local governments in rural areas. It introduces the West of England Rural Network, which supports rural communities. Localism gives rural communities new powers over planning, housing, infrastructure projects and more. However, exercising these new powers requires resources like funding, training, expertise and assets that many rural communities lack. The document provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities presented by localism for sustaining rural communities.

1. West of England Rural Network
www.wern.org.uk
Localism
The impact and opportunities
for the First Tier of Local Government
Backwell Parish Council
8th December 2011

2. West of England Rural Network
• To support & encourage community-led
action and strong local governance
• To increase the long-term sustainability
of local community life
• To influence policies
and services to
achieve equity for
rural communities

3. West of England Rural Network
• Broadband
• Affordable housing
• Access to Services and Community Transport
• Fuel Poverty and Energy Generation
• Community Planning
• Community Buildings and Assets
• Village Agents
• Social Enterprise Support and Funding Advice

4. Localism in Context

5. A Radical Shift of Power

6. Localism in a Nutshell
• General power of competence
• Abolition of the standards board
• Community right to build
• Community right to challenge
• Community right to bid
• Community right to plan
• Right to veto excessive Council Tax
• Reforming community infrastructure levy

9. Sustainable Communities
This country’s rural communities cannot
stand still. Change is inevitable whether
development takes place or not, and the
choices we make today will
shape tomorrow’s character
of the market towns, villages
and hamlets that make up
our countryside.
Matthew Taylor 2008

10. Community right to plan

12. General power of competence

13. Funding

14. Community Land Trusts

15. What you have & what you need
• Ambition • Resources
• Vision • Training
• Potential • Financial
• Aspiration • Capital
• Ownership • Assets
• Pride • Expertise
• Time

17. West of England Rural Network
www.wern.org.uk
Chris Head
Director
 01275 333701
 chris@wern.org.uk
 Tunbridge Mill, Tunbridge Road, Chew Magna, BS40 8SP
RuralChris