This week’s policy updates from our Lead Members on LGA policy boards includes news and information from:
- Environment and Housing, and
- Stronger, Safer Communities Programme
Regular updates on the work of the LGA Lib Dems on policy boards will be published on the ALDC website and feedback on any of the matters raised is encouraged.
Environment and Housing
Lead Member – Keith House
Housing Supply
The LGA has given evidence to the Labour Party’s Lyons Review, and the Government’s Review of Local Authorities’ finance role in housing delivery that I am jointly leading. Both of these reviews are looking at how more can be achieved within existing resources with innovation and creativity for the sector. The cut-off date for in calls for evidence is now passed with both reviews but if any council groups have particular examples of ideas that could be scaled up and rolled out, I am keen to be aware of the. Housing supply will be a feature of all three parties’ manifestos. Developing community based and bottom-up solutions ought to be a Lib Dem strength: it needs examples. We’ve supported the direction of the LGA in this area that also presses for more use of underused public sector land, and pressure on unimplemented planning permissions.
Planning and Infrastructure
With new proposals emanating from the Planning Minister and Chancellor to further open up planning to make it easier for developers and reduce controls for councils, the LGA Lib Dem team is alert to keep pressing the case for genuine localism rather than top-down decision making. This often has unintended consequences and puts more strain on creaking council planning departments. We will be lobbying our Ministers with our perspective from local government. As ever, examples of problems (and solutions) gratefully received.
Stronger, Safer Communities Programme
Lead Member – Lisa Brett
The Safer and Stronger Communities Board (SSCB) oversees LGA activity in the promotion of safety in local communities. Detailed in this report are the key challenges I have worked to address this year as the Liberal Democrats Lead Member on crime and community safety issues.
National Manifesto
I have fed into the national party manifesto consultation the LGA Liberal Democrat Executive view on tackling crime and disorder, enhancing community safety and improving the criminal justice system. In addition, I have had an opportunity to press our point when meeting with the Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary Back Bench Committee for Home Affairs, Justice and Equality.
I am delighted to see how many of our recommendations are in the process of becoming Liberal Democrat policy.
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
The impact of the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on Local Authorities will be significant, with community triggers and new powers for the issuing of closure notices all having resource implications as well as real benefits to our local communities. The LGA will be publishing additional guidance soon.
Details at:
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents/enacted local authority
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Having shared a flat in North Eastern Nigeria 23 years ago with a friend who suffered the consequences of the practice of FGM, I was delighted to be asked to Chair the LGA’s cross panel, cross party, task and finish group to identify how best Local Authorities can work with communities, health service providers, educational establishments and the police to help tackle this abusive practice.
I am pleased to be feeding back to Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey & Wood Green MP and strong FGM campaigner, the findings of our research and work with partner organisations, including; Forward, the Federation of British Arabs and the NSPCC.
I am also lobbying parliament through the LGA to consider legislation to create an offence of inciting the practice of FGM.
LGA guidance on tackling the practice of FGM, as well as a Home Office tool kit, should be available for Local Authorities in early 2015.
Sexual Violence Against Children and Vulnerable Adults
I have contributed to the Home Office National Task Group on Sexual Violence Against Children and Vulnerable Adults, chaired by Lib Dem Home Office Minister Norman Baker.
Taking up the challenge of addressing sexual violence against children and vulnerable adults is a huge responsibility, since the consequences of getting it wrong are so dreadful. Nevertheless it is a privilege for me to be able to provide a link between what the Home Office hopes to achieve and the likely outcome of their proposals on the ground.
Legal Highs
The Home Office has commissioned a review into the UK’s response to the issue of legal highs, which the LGA has been invited to contribute.
While lead members across the parties agree that this is a serious issue and note the 79 per cent increase in deaths in the UK from the previous year. The only cross-party area agreement about how the issue should be tackled is around promoting better labelling of products, information and education.
Keep in touch! My email is lisabrett@btopenworld.com and I will do my best to help.