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Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
Manchester
M12 6FZ
Tel: 0161 276 9300
Fax: 0161 276 9301
Email: info@vsnw.org.uk
Localism - introduction
“I am a confirmed localist, committed to turning
Britain's pyramid of power on its head.”
(David Cameron, 17 Feb 2009, The Guardian)
Localism is a key Government principle and agenda.
As a principle, Localism is about giving more power to local people and local institutions while addressing the over-centralisation of Government. It runs throughout the rhetoric of Government policy, intertwined with “decentralisation”, and is put forward as a core principle. For instance, the Health Reforms talk about giving local GPs more power, and building a bottom-up process rather than imposing a top-down framework.
For some, localism and decentralisation can be used to justify actions that are likely to dismantle the state. For others, localism is an agenda that local communities and the local voluntary and community sector should seek to develop and take more control over.
Arguably, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is doing most to define what Localism is and how it should be developed as a formal agenda in its own right. DCLG are the sponsor department for the The Localism Bill which will provide the legal foundation for the localism agenda.
Key links
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VSNW's web-page of Localism Resources for voluntary and community sector groups
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VSNW's web-page on the implications of Localism for VCS equalities groups: Localism and Equality
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DCLG's guide: Decentralisation and the Localism Bill: an essential guide which outlines how the Bill and other DCLG policies, through six areas of activity, will shift us "from Big Government to Big Society"
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Latest version of the The Localism Bill
Featured Event
Taking on TUPE
This training seminar with public sector specialist law firm TPP Law will look at issues relating to Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment).
Latest News
Expanding the National Citizen Service - Pre-procurement market engagement
The Cabinet Office is currently seeking your views to help them to develop their plans for expanding National Citizen Service (NCS).
Building safe, active communities - Strong foundations by local people
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published Baroness Newlove's third report.
Choosing to volunteer - Ofsted Report
In December 2011 Ofsted published the 'Choosing to Volunteer' which surveyed the experience of young people involved in volunteering.
Events & Trainings
VSNW’s list of events & training opportunities for VCS groups in the North West
