UK opposition leader, David Cameron recently unveiled the new Conservative policy on returning powers to local government. In doing so however he proposes taking away much needed funding for local councils through the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant – a grant that rewards councils for ensuring their district plans are up to date.
The Conservatives argue that their policy paper is about more local control over decision making and funding. It proposes to keep National Policy Statements (NPS) which set out national policy on a range of subjects – including renewable energy policy. At the same time however they want to reduce the enforceability of these national statements by effectively saying local authorities can adhere to it if they feel like it.
Increasing local power and autonomy is often positive, however it also has its downside in that it leaves open a window for the “vocal local” (who does not necessarily represent the majority) to influence decisions that other people in the community do not have the time to be involved in. This often results in ill-informed decisions on for example wind energy projects, despite planning officers recommendations for approval.
The authority of the Planning Inspectorate – a professional organisation whose role is to ensure that national planning policy e.g. renewable energy policy is adhered to is diminished in the Conservatives proposals and regional level planning is to be abolished altogether. This means each region’s renewable energy target is abolished with it, leaving little pressure on local authorities to “do their bit” by allowing renewable energy projects.
Although local decision making and funding may on the surface sound good, it does leave a question as to how – without higher level decision making power – higher level national and regional objectives such as meeting our commitments to carbon dioxide reductions are to be achieved.
In a recent post I reflected on local decision making powers – using an example in Virginia about allowing the use of washing lines. This kind of debate, indecision and failure to grasp the bigger picture is not restricted to this town – it happens regularly in many places world-wide and until we solve this problem, higher level decision making is often necessary. Although we may not like it – until we become less selfish – some decisions are best taken at the national and regional levels – particularly when our future and the future of our children is at stake. More information on the policy is on the Conservatives website.
