This week sees the publication of a booklet that we have produced in collaboration with the TUC. ‘Localism: Threat or Opportunity?’ is a series of short essays from 12 contributors expressing a range of critical views about the intentions and likely consequences of the Government’s Localism Act.

 Included are articles on:

• public services privatisation through the right to challenge
• the damage of commissioning practices
• the confidence trick of the neighbourhood planning framework
• so-called reforms to public sector pay
• and the likely impact of the Act on social housing, equalities, older people, women, and people from ethnic minorities.

 A theme running through these pieces is how the provisions of the Act appear to offer new rights and opportunities whilst a different reality emerges from an analysis of the detail. As NCIA’s Adrian Barritt says in his introduction:

 “There is no blueprint response to this dilemma. Resolutions need to be worked out in local practice. This can only be done if the voluntary action world understands what is taking place, is prepared to recognise the political nature of these choices, and refuses to connive in bad policy. One pathway ahead lies through stronger routine dialogue with public sector paid staff, trade unions and church or faith groups, who are developing challenges to policies which are destroying hard-won services. A plea for independence, free thinking and action lies close to this heart of darkness. Voluntary action is a complement to our welfare state, not a substitute for it.”

 You can download the booklet here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/tucfiles/354/Localism_Guide_2012.pdf