Stephen Williams MP backs Sustainable Communities Bill

10.26.00pm GMT Thu 18th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrat MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, will be throwing his weight behind moves in Parliament this week to bring decision making closer to the people.

The Sustainable Communities Bill aims to give local people a greater say in how public money is spent in their community, along with greater powers over planning and other aspects of community life.

Stephen Williams said "The purpose of this Bill is that national government will be forced to give up some of its power so that local people can have a genuine say in how their communities develop. Whether it be the proliferation of bars down Whiteladies Road, the number of family houses being converted into student flats or the planning of local transport, local people are too often ignored. Yet, it will be those same people who will have to live with the daily consequences of these planning decisions. People often ask why their local councillors don't do more to preserve the character of our neighbourhoods, but the sad truth is that in many cases, government refuses to give them the power to make the difference."

The Sustainable Communities Bill is a Private Member's Bill and will have its Second Reading debate on Friday 19th January. Without government backing, it will require the support of at least 100 MPs to progress to the next stage. Stephen Williams normally spends Friday visiting schools and community groups in his constituency but this week is staying in Westminster to give his support to the Bill.

For further information about the Sustainable Communities Bill, visit:

http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/uploads/2nf1cr45h0plowywfmprziib25112005200947.pdf