Overview

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is a wide-ranging UK Act that reformed several aspects of local governance, economic development, and construction contracts. It aimed to increase public involvement in local decision-making, improve local authority governance and auditing, and update construction contract legislation.

Description

This Act covers a broad spectrum of topics. Key areas include:

• Increased Public Participation: The Act introduced duties for principal local authorities to promote understanding of their functions and democratic processes, making it easier for citizens to engage. It also mandated electronic petition facilities and established formal petition handling schemes.
• Improved Local Authority Governance: The Act mandated the designation of scrutiny officers to support overview and scrutiny committees in local authorities in England. It also allowed for the establishment of joint overview and scrutiny committees across multiple local authorities.
• Local Authority Auditing: The Act created a framework for the audit of entities connected with local authorities, giving audit authorities the power to appoint auditors for these entities. It introduced public interest reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Local Government Boundary and Electoral Changes: The Act established the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, which is responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to local government boundaries and electoral arrangements.
• Economic Development: The Act included provisions on local and regional economic assessments and strategies, establishing Economic Prosperity Boards (EPBs) and Combined Authorities to support economic development and regeneration. It also established Leaders' Boards to oversee regional development.
• Construction Contracts: The Act introduced changes to construction contracts legislation, requiring contracts to be in writing, clarifying payment procedures, and addressing adjudicator powers and costs.
• Housing: The act provided for the establishment and support of bodies representing tenants of social housing.

Government Spending

The Act's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated with figures, however, provisions for funding of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Leaders' Boards, and potentially assistance to bodies representing tenants suggest additional government expenditure.

Groups Affected

Many groups are potentially affected by this Act, including:

• Local Residents: Increased opportunities for public participation in local decision-making and engagement with local authorities.
• Local Authorities: New duties and responsibilities concerning public involvement, governance, auditing, and economic development, potentially impacting resources and staffing.
• Local Authority Employees: Changes to politically restricted posts and the introduction of scrutiny officers.
• Businesses: Impact from new construction contract legislation and local/regional economic development initiatives.
• Parish and Community Councils: Changes in electoral arrangements and petition handling requirements.
• Regional Development Agencies: Changes in their role concerning regional strategies.
• Tenants of social housing: Increased representation and influence in housing matters.
• Entities connected with local authorities: New auditing requirements and processes.

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