Localism ignores local opinion

Civic Voice President, Griff Rhys Jones says localism ignores local opinion

Griff Rhys Jones speaks out on behalf of communities

The importance of community involvement in the planning system was put under the spotlight on 13th May at a debate of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies when MPs and other interested parties gathered at Portcullis House.

Civic Voice President, Griff Rhys Jones said: “With the localism agenda, what the Government is essentially saying is, we want you to get involved, decide what you want locally, but, oh, for the really important decisions we are going to ignore you and do what we want. I am sorry, but that is just not good enough. “

Planning Minister, Nick Boles MP, who also addressed the meeting said “When talking about neighbourhood planning in the early days, maybe a fault of the Government was allowing people to believe they could do what they want, when in reality it has always been about how things will be delivered, not what would be delivered. However, I do genuinely believe that in twenty years’ time, people will look back and say this policy was a real game changer for getting people involved in their local area”.

Laura Sandys MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies said “I was grateful that the Planning Minister and Griff Rhys Jones were able to attend this meeting. I think as a movement we now need to feedback to the Minister our thoughts on how communities can influence the planning system further”.

Civic Voice is calling on all communities to submit ideas on how you think communities can have a greater say in the planning system. Send your ideas to info@civicvoice.org.uk. 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Civic Voice works to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive. We speak up for civic societies and local communities across England. We promote civic pride. We are the national charity for the civic movement and have a strong local presence. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of. We know how people feel about places because we feel the same way. Civic societies are the most numerous participants in the planning system. Since its launch in April 2010 Civic Voice has been joined by 290 civic societies with more than 75,000 members. Further information is available at http://www.civicvoice.org.uk including how to join Civic Voice (£10 individuals) and contact details for local civic societies. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Steve Graham, 07921767650 or steve.graham@civicvoice.org.uk. 

Ian Harvey, 07877096968 or ian.harvey@civicvoice.org.uk