Ten plans to help boost local economies and improve communities announced

The top ten plans to receive Government support as part of a programme of local devolution aimed at helping boost local economies and improve communities have been announced.

The plans, in response to ideas generated by local communities, have been chosen as the first ten because they offer the best potential to bring real benefits to the community. They address genuine local concerns and maximise their impact by building on existing Government initiatives.

The Top Ten given the go ahead include proposals from Brighton and Hove to allow gardeners to sell surplus produce to local and markets. The Government will clarify that there are no legal restrictions preventing gardeners selling genuine surplus produce.

Also, Kent asked for funding to build a lorry park with 3000 parking places to address traffic problems locally which arise when the Kent Police implement Operation stack closing M20 in order to hold large volumes of freight traffic.

Other proposals given backing are to take place in locations including Kent, Kettering, Islington, West Devon and Hertfordshire and include relaxing the rules on lighting road signs to reduce carbon emissions, helping communities develop renewable energy and giving communities the right to buy disused buildings.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: "Local democracy starts with the citizens. The Government has strengthened the rights of local people to shape the area they live in, including increasing the power of elected local councillors and local authorities to represent their interests."

"These are great examples of community action to deal with big issues such as climate change and helping the local economy."

Further information:
Communities and Local Government