After 5 years of campaigning the Local Works coalition, of which the New Economics Foundation, are a leading member, achieved a great campaign victory that saw the Sustainable Communities Act became law.
The Sustainable Communities Act came into force in October 2008. It provides a channel for local people to drive central government assistance and action to improve and protect the economic, social and environmental well being of their area.
The potential of the Act is huge; it could be used by citizens, communities and councils to:
- Protect local services like Post Offices
- Increase renewable energy, public transport or local food
- Change the planning rules
- Change government policy or even force new legislation
The Act's process started on 14th October 2008 when the Government invited all local authorities to use it. Only if your council/s choose to use this Act will you be able to use it too. So please write to your councillors urging them to use the Act (a sample letter is below that will make this quick and easy for you). Note councils have till 31st July 2009 to do this but the sooner they do so the better, so please write now!
For more information please visit the Local Works website - www.localworks.org
Download a sample letter: http://www.localworks.org/files/localworks.org/sample_letter_councillors.doc
