Overview

This bill amends the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, improving the process for submitting proposals for community projects and ensuring greater representation for parish councils. It introduces requirements for referendums based on citizen petitions and clarifies the roles of selectors and local authorities in the proposal process.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Proposal Submission: It modifies how proposals are submitted to the Secretary of State. The selector will now be responsible for ensuring a continuous stream of proposals under consideration, publishing their reasons for rejecting any. The initial shortlist can include as many proposals as the selector deems practical for consideration.
• Parish Council Representation: It mandates the inclusion of parish council representatives on panels established under the 2007 Act, unless parish councils themselves fail to select representatives within a given timeframe, or if no parish councils exist in the area. County associations of parish councils are also allowed to submit proposals.
• Petitions and Referendums: If a local authority rejects proposals, but receives a petition signed by at least 5% of its electors requesting the proposals be submitted, a referendum must be held. If the majority votes in favor, the local authority is required to submit the proposals.
• Regulations: The Secretary of State must create regulations within 12 months covering petition creation, submission, and referendum procedures.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely arise from the administrative burden of processing increased proposals, organizing referendums, and implementing the new regulations. No specific financial impact is detailed within the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Increased responsibilities regarding proposal submissions, referendums, and consultation with parish councils.
• Parish Councils: Greater involvement in the decision-making process through representation on panels and submission of proposals.
• Citizens: Ability to petition for proposals and participate in referendums, increasing democratic participation in local community projects.
• Secretary of State: Increased workload processing a potentially larger number of proposals.

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