The radicalism of localism
Local accountability and decision making, the end of the regions, a national strategic framework and local plans that are the result of real local consultation. Radical it certainly is, but will it work or will we lose out from laissez faire? Revoking regional spatial strategies and house building targets is expected to result in plans for 300,000 homes being scrapped in 12 months. That's a serious and dramatic start. Now a High court ruling has declared the decision unlawful, causing further confusion. If and when local councils and communities get the hang of localism, what will it look like, and what will its effects be on the built environment?
Speakers
Rt Hon Lord Deben, John Gummer, Former Environment Secretary, Chairman of the environmental consultancy Sancroft International and Veolia Water
Polly Toynbee, Guardian columnist and broadcaster
Richard McCarthy, Director General, the Neighbourhood Group, Communities and Local Government
Geoff Mulgan, Chief Executive of the Young Foundation, Founder and Director of think tank Demos
