Since coming into power, the Coalition Government has been promoting the benefits of local communities becoming more involved in local affairs. The Government's flagship Localism Bill is due to be enacted later this year and includes provision for communities to develop neighbourhood plans for their own localities.

Already 17 "Vanguard" projects have been funded by National Government. These involve neighbourhood organisations designing plans for their areas. SEC has been told funding is being found for another 33 such local plans.

Save Ealing's Centre has now formally proposed to the Council that Ealing should commence work on separate Neighbourhood plans for Ealing and West Ealing centres. Our 'Vision for Ealing' has already covered much of the ground, and while it is a little out of date, work is in hand to refresh it.

The Council has committed to getting back to us with a programme for examine the process for neighbourhood planning. We will look to them to do so.

11 May 2011