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Localism is the cornerstone of the coalition Government's plans to hand power back to local communities. The Government believes that local people, businesses and councils are at the heart of communities and they are determined to put the wider community back in control with the choices and chances to shape the future of their local area.
The Localism Act is the drive to bring about more 'bottom up' as opposed to 'top down' local decision making. The main measures of the Localism Act can be divided into four key headings:
- New freedom and flexibilities for local government
- New rights and powers for communities
- New reforms to make the planning system more democratic and more effective
- New reforms to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally
The Government has also published a Plain English Guide to the Localism Act which provides an overview of the main measures included in the Act and more information is also available at the My Community Rights website.
Information about rights in the Act
Different parts of the Act are coming into effect at different times. You can check the latest information on the Communities and Local Government Department website.
Localism in Action - The South West Guide also provides a number of useful case studies, tools and tips from the South West of England.
Assets of Community Value
The 'Community Right to Bid' allows local community, voluntary bodies and parish councils to identify and nominate land and buildings that are important to them. These are known as assets of community value. Community assets could include a village shop, local pub, community centre or library but there are many other examples. These can be included on Dorset Council’s list of community assets providing certain legal requirements are met. The community right to bid is a legal right under the Localism Act, 2011 and The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations, 2012.