Torbay Council failed to ask central Government for funding or regulation changes to benefit local people under the Sustainable Communities Act. All councils have the opportunity to ask Government to change rules or give funding to local bodies and the first decision of which proposals will be successful is currently being made by officials at the Communities and Local Government Department.
Both South Hams and Teignbridge district councils managed to submit proposals, ranging from measures to combat climate change to providing affordable housing.
If successful, Teignbridge could become a pilot for a Community Land Bank Trust, which could see funding prioritised to bring vacant and run-down properties brought back into use for low income families.
One of South Hams’ proposals could see councils being able to business rate reductions to businesses that source a majority of their products and services locally.
Unfortunately Torbay Council refused to submit any proposals in this the first opportunity to take powers from central Government and give them to local people.
Adrian said: “We have some serious problems in Torbay, particularly the shortage of affordable family housing and it is very concerning that the council hasn’t taken this opportunity to gain funds and powers from Whitehall to better help local people. The councils that get involved early on are often far better able to shape the agenda in the future.”
“It is a shame that while other councils including South Hams and Teignbridge have taken steps to involve local people, in Torbay residents haven’t had a chance to have their say on what powers to take away from Whitehall bureaucrats.”
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