Local councils will be aware that a series of measures are emerging in order to progress implementation of community empowerment policies and initiatives under recent White Papers. This consultation is on the Publicity Code which was published in 1988. The consultation explores the effectiveness of the Code as a resource to councils seeking to issue legitimate publicity whilst also helping to protect public money from use for political purposes. Concerns have been raised that the drive towards ensuring principal authorities (not local councils) promote democracy will be hindered by the guidance in the Code.

• LAIS1268 Publicity Code (PDF, 431 Kb)

If the planned Community Empowerment White Paper strengthens the accountability of local government and further empowers communities, there is potential for town and parish councils (local councils) to have a renewed and stronger position as a voice for communities. However, the detail in the White Paper will reveal the extent to which Government intends to strengthen alternative structures for community action.

• LAIS1254 Unlocking the Talent of Our Communities (MS Word, 49 Kb)

There are many references to town and parish councils (local councils) within this Guide. Charters are a concept that local councils will be familiar with. Government has identified them as a way to ensure communities can get involved in decision-making and have further local control over assets and functions. Although Charters are open to many community organisations, they could provide a way for local councils to acquire greater influence and become more empowered to assist their communities.

• LAIS1252 Local Charter (PDF, 429 Kb)

Local councils will wish to note the recent consultation on local petitions and Councillor Calls for Action.

• LAIS1253 Local Petitions and Calls for Action (PDF, 225 Kb)

Town and parish councils (local councils) will wish to note the proposed pitch allocations for gypsies and travellers being submitted to the Secretary of State.

• LAIS1255 Regional Spatial Strategy (PDF, 214 Kb)

The Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (also known as the sub-national review or SNR) has an overarching aim of helping maximise prosperity in all parts of England by stimulating economic growth and improving housing supply. It will affect the infrastructure in local communities by tackling issues such as housing, growth, jobs and wealth within a low carbon economy but it will also implement new decision-making and funding routes at regional and sub regional level. Regional documents will be rationalised into one regional strategy and relations between local, regional and national Government arrangements will be strengthened and clarified with devolution, where appropriate.

• LAIS1257 Sub National Review (MS Word, 197 Kb)

The publication of the first National Security Strategy has been announced in response to new threats to security. Enhanced community resilience is among the measures proposed within this strategy to address these threats ranging from floods to terrorism. Local councils have been involved in working with communities to ensure very local support networks exist for situations where community self-reliance is essential and will welcome efforts to improve local government community resilience networks. There is no new mandatory requirement to plan for emergencies at a local council level and it is likely that any new measures would continue to be worked through principal local authority tiers.

• LAIS1256 National Security Strategy (PDF, 283 Kb)

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has commented on the Government's launch paper for an Empowerment White Paper expected this summer (see LAIS1254).

• LAIS1254.1 Unlocking Talent (MS Word, 64 Kb)

The Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (also known as the sub-national review or SNR) has an overarching aim of helping maximise prosperity in all parts of England by stimulating economic growth and improving housing supply. It will affect the infrastructure in local communities by tackling issues such as housing, growth, jobs and wealth within a low carbon economy but it will also implement new decision-making and funding routes at regional and sub regional level. Regional documents will be rationalised into one regional strategy and relations between local, regional and national Government arrangements will be strengthened and clarified with devolution, where appropriate.

• LAIS1258 Planning Bill (MS Word, 118 Kb)

Local councils (town and parish councils) and their county associations will wish to use this guidance to help them establish or strengthen their position or influence in relation to Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and arrangements under the Local Area Agreement.

• LAIS1260 Statutory Guidance (PDF, 332 Kb)

If the planned Community Empowerment White Paper strengthens the accountability of local government and further empowers communities, there is potential for town and parish councils (local councils) to have a renewed and stronger position as a voice for communities. However, the detail in the White Paper will reveal the extent to which Government intends to strengthen alternative structures for community action.

• LAIS1254.2 Community Empowerment White Paper (MS Word, 94 Kb)

The Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (also known as the sub-national review or SNR) has an overarching aim of helping maximise prosperity in all parts of England by stimulating economic growth and improving housing supply. It will affect the infrastructure in local communities by tackling issues such as housing, growth, jobs and wealth within a low carbon economy but it will also implement new decision-making and funding routes at regional and sub regional level. Regional documents will be rationalised into one regional strategy and relations between local, regional and national Government arrangements will be strengthened and clarified with devolution, where appropriate.

• LAIS1259 Planning Policy Statement 12 (MS Word, 48 Kb)

On 17 July 2008, the Home Secretary published the Policing Green Paper From the Neighbourhood to the National: Policing Our Communities Together. It sets out the vision for the future of policing.

• LAIS1261 Police Green Paper (PDF, 435 Kb)

Local councils will be aware that a series of measures are emerging in order to progress implementation of community empowerment initiatives and local government review under recent White Papers. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 is an umbrella legislative vehicle for implementing the White Papers. The Act provides powers to make regulations in certain respects and the Government is now consulting on potential regulations for making and enforcing relevant byelaws.

• LAIS1262 Byelaws (PDF, 357 Kb)

New planning rules have been introduced from 1 October 2008.

• LAIS1264 Planning SI (PDF, 213 Kb)