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NALC give evidence to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Committee
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) gave oral evidence to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill Committee on 23 June 2022.
NALC stated local (parish and town) councils are driving neighbourhood plans forward. NALC welcomes steps to improve the planning process, but more must be done, such as a refreshed support programme. Additionally, while neighbourhood plans are an excellent way to engage with the public, NALC urged the need for remote council meetings to continue with this engagement.
NALC cited Onward's social fabric index, which shows places with local councils have a more strong community identity and that there are opportunities through the neighbourhood governance review to extend local councils across the country.
NALC also suggested an amendment to the bill to ensure local councils have access to dedicated government funding and a share of sector support funding.
Finally, NALC welcomed the proposed infrastructure levy, which local councils must have flexibility over its use, calling for the general power of competence to be extended to all local councils to help invest the levy in local priorities.
The committee features several government ministers, shadow ministers, spokespeople, and other parties' MPs. NALC appeared alongside Tony Burton, Neighbourhood Planner London.