The government published a Local Government Bill. The Bill gives councils freedom to borrow to pay for major projects, and powers to set up schemes with businesses to improve their area; and makes provision for revaluation of council tax. The government also published its response to a report by a committee of MPs on a draft Bill, together with its analysis of responses to a consultation exercise. It said there was wide support among local authorities and other key stakeholders for its main proposals.
Source: Local Government Bill 2002, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, TSO (0870 600 5522) | The Government s Response to the Transport, Local Government and Regional Affairs Committee s Report on the Draft Local Government Bill, Cm 5638, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, TSO | Draft Local Government Bill - Analysis of Consultation Responses, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000) | Press releases 5.11.02 and 26.11.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Links: Text of Bill | Response to MPs (pdf) | Analysis of consultation | ODPM press release 5.11.02 | ODPM press release 26.11.02 | Consultation document | LGA press release
Date: 2002-Nov
The government announced the deregulation of 84 'consent regime' powers, freeing local councils from the need to seek central government permission to take action on a range of local matters.
Source: Press release 3.9.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A 'Localism Campaign' was launched to give local authorities greater powers to deal with economic decline in rural and poor urban areas, accompanied by a private member's Bill. The campaign is chaired by the New Economics Foundation, with backers including the Soil Association, Shelter, UNISON, Transport 2000 and Friends of the Earth.
Source: Press release 24.7.02, New Economics Foundation (020 7089 2800) | Local Sustainability Bill, Sue Doughty MP, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Press release | Bill
Date: 2002-Jul
A report by a committee of MPs on the draft Local Government Bill accused the government of being 'terrified' of trusting local authorities and allowing them their independence.
Source: Draft Local Government Bill, Fifteenth Report (Session 2001-02), HC 981-I, House of Commons Transport, Local Government and the Regions Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report
Date: 2002-Jul
The government and Local Government Association agreed a set of shared priorities for local government, including raising standards in schools, transforming the local environment, and meeting local transport needs more effectively.
Source: Press releases 10.7.02 and 29.7.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000)
Links: Press release 10.7.02 | Press release 29.7.02
Date: 2002-Jul
An independent commission said that central control is stifling councils' ability to meet local needs.
Source: Free to Differ - The Future for Local Democracy, Commission on Local Governance, available from Central Books (020 8986 5488)
Links: No link
Date: 2002-Jun
The government began consultation on draft legislation to increase the powers of local authorities in England.
Source: Local Government Bill - Consultation on Draft Legislation, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 4056)
Links: Consultation document
Date: 2002-Jun