Local Works – the Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill

Friends of the Earth is one of the many supporters of this campaign. EFoE member David Bays was at Portcullis House, Westminster, on 26 June to hear 3 MPs and Campaign Director Ron Bailey give the latest briefing in the run-up to the November Private Members Ballot when its hoped that one of the lucky MPs will agree to pick up this Bill. He sends us this report:

The Campaign is 7 years old and is now building up a head of steam. Judging by the packed meetings round the country, with attendances like 500 in many places, the issues raised – about local shops, community engagement and social exclusion – obviously have a resonance with local people.

Opening the evening, Labour MP for Lewisham, Jim Dowd, outlined how a new impetus was given to the Campaign following the All Party Shops Group’s Inquiry Report recently. Not to be confused with the All Party Retail Group which is closely linked to the British Retail Consortium and doesn’t represent the small shops – unless you count Harrods as a small shop! Members of the Small Shops Group were surprised how many people were interested in contributing to their Inquiry, and it seems to be an issue in areas as far apart as Iceland and Sydney Harbour.

Julia Goldsworthy, Lib Dem MP for Falmouth & Camborne, outlined how the Bill would not only deal with retaining local shops and community involvement but also address the issue of second homes which was a big issue in Cornwall. Different situations needed different solutions within the overall framework. And why not charge for Out Of Town Car Parks?

Oliver Letwin, closely involved in the Conservative Party’s policy making process, backed up other speakers, pleading for more localisation and attacking over-centralised policies by Government.

As Ron Bailey, Campaign Director pointed out, it will take a lot of lobbying to get this Bill off the ground in November – but with all the supporting organisations playing a part, including FoE and its local groups, it may stand a chance. A public meeting on the Bill will guarantee 100 people turning up - there’s a thought!

David Bays

To find out more about the Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill, go to www.localworks.org

To date 323 MPs (half the House of Commons) have signed Early Day Motion 641 in support of the Bill, among them Piara Khabra (Ealing Southall). 

Steve Pound (Ealing North) and Andrew Slaughter (Ealing Acton and Shepherds Bush) have not signed, so if you are in their constituencies you might like to write asking them to sign. 

Text of the EDM can be found at http://edmi.parliament.uk/edmi