Council inactivity

I made the effort to attend the monthly council meeting back in Jan as the Sustainable Communities Act was up for discussion.
Unfortunately, the council members were very dismissive of the act despite it's positive take up across many councils in the country. One councillor, who had previously championed himself as a councillor of the common man, made a derogatory remarks about the Act, despite the fact that it is plainly there to give the man on the street more say in the community.
The general consensus from the council was to wait and see what they could get out of it rather than what it could do for the people of Bromley.
Above all, it was a real eye opener watching important decisions being made (or not) on our behalf by a cabal of old fellas.

News on the possibility of the Sustainable Communities Act being opted into in Bromley. I received a letter this morning from Cllr Anne Manning on behalf of all the Coney Hall councillors, with the following info:

"You will be aware that local authorities have until 31st July 2009 to reach a decision and forward proposals, if and where appropriate.
I have discussed the Act's intent with Senior Officers.
I am advised that a report will be presented to the next meeting of the Council's Executive on Wednesday 14th January. Copies of the Agenda will be available for inspection shortly before the meeting on the Council's website and all Borough Libraries.
If you would like to attend the meeting, you are free to do so. At this stage I am unsure of the start time - 7pm or 7.30pm - but a phone call to the Council will help."

Sustainable Communities Act

It's not exactly made frontpage news but last years Sustainable Communities Act is a very important piece of legislation for communities across the country. Essentially the government will have to come to some sort of agreement with any local resident suggestions - this will be enshrined in law for the first time ever!

One of the reasons for my move into the Coney Hall area 2 years ago was its village like feel and its clear sense of community many other areas seem to lack. Local groups like the various West Wickham Residents Associations, the Friends of Coney Hall Recreation Ground, local schools parents groups etc are constantly putting in huge efforts to improve our community.

If enforced this Act will allow even more progress to be made in improving our community and local environment. Check the website www.localworks.org for lots of information on how it can work for us.

The problem is there is no requirement on councils to ‘opt-in’ to the Act.

Please contact our three local councillors (Hayes and Coney Hall ward) asking them to encourage our council to ‘opt-in’. You can write to them at:

Councillors name, c/o Members Room, Bromley Civic Centre, Bromley, BR1 3UH

or email them:
graham.arthur@bromley.gov.uk
anne.manning@bromley.gov.uk
neil.reddin@bromley.gov.uk