Hughes seeks to change law to ensure local residents benefit from local developments

9.23.00am GMT Wed 27th Jan 2010

This Friday Simon Hughes, member of parliament for North Southwark and Bermondsey, will open debate on his Private Members Bill. Simon Hughes' Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (amendment) Bill seeks to change the way that councils can use money they receive from local building developments. Currently the law restricts councils to using this money to improve local infrastructure when often it could be spent far more effectively on housing improvements. This Bill would remove the shackles currently restricting councils, allowing them to spend money where it is really needed.

Welcoming the opportunity to present this bill Simon Hughes said:

"The current planning system is outdated. It is ludicrous that councils are forced to use money from local developments to improve flowerbeds when there is a real need to improve local housing.

"My bill is a win-win for local residents and for developers. Local residents will get a direct benefit from new developments going up outside their window, and developers will have the opportunity to contribute directly to improve the lives of local residents."

This is the second time in three years that Simon has had this opportunity to change the law, which is selected by ballot of all the MPs.

ENDS

See also: http://www.24dash.com/news/Housing/2010-01-28-Simon-Hughes-launches-new-Bill-to-help-fund-social-housing-improvements