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Changes to Assets of Community Value rules
Communities and local leaders will benefit from new powers in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, to protect local spaces, shape their high streets, and celebrate culture, according to a Government press release here.
Local people will see stronger and more public scrutiny of their regional mayors, through new Local Scrutiny Committees.
The Community Right to Buy listing period doubles from five to ten years and the Bill introduces the separate category of “sporting assets of community value”.
The lawyer Simon Ricketts warns land owners of the problems that [more…]
Peckham Vision message about National Housing Demonstration
On 16th March, London Forum issued an update about an 18th April National Housing Demonstration about the crisis of lack of social housing and secure affordable private rented accommodation, making it almost impossible for most people in London to get a decent home.
We have been asked by one of our members, Peckham Vision, to send London Forum members a plea for people to sign up to attend the event and receive notification of where it will be held.
The letter from Eileen Conn is here.
Using AI in your Civic Society
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere in the news and in business these days – we even used it to generate the image for this event. How can it help your civic society ? Do you need to be an expert? (No!) Civic societies are often under-resourced, and at this event we showed that with a little knowledge, illustrated with examples, AI can bolster your resources in several useful ways, without necessarily spending a penny.
Agenda
We looked at some novel pre-built applications and services that use AI behind the [more…]
Website search improvements
We’ve long had an effective search facility on the website for current news, Insights, events and other pages. Last week there was an opportune moment to invest in an important additional feature to support our institutional knowledge: Search for our archive of several hundred pdf files
This is significant, in that the entire archive is now indexed and searchable, most notably ‘What We’ve said‘ since 2011, all reports and pdf attachments, plus historic editions of Insights and NewsForum.
If you’re researching particular subject in our [more…]
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform
This is a reminder of the opportunity until 31st March to respond to a call for evidence of the experience of those living in leasehold and commonhold properties who pay private estate charges. See the update of 5th February.
London Forum members are urged to let their own members know of this chance to influence legislation in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Bill by submitting experience and commenting on whether or not the proposed legislation will be effective.
The survey is here.
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Can you help ?
The Forum’s Membership Services Committee (MSC) is looking for volunteers to help with activities, including organising events, producing news and Insights editorial, and communicating with the membership. Is this you? Please contact the secretary and let us know how you can help.
Car Sharing
The Zipcar vehicle hire company ceased operating in the UK at the end of last year leaving their customers with few alternative choices.
It pointed its members to the CoMoUK website for more information on other car sharing options in their area.
One that might be of interest for Londoners is the Enterprise CarClub
It states that it operates in 30 London boroughs but their coverage of wards is low at present, as here, and it offers three membership options
Their vehicle locations are searchable by landmark or street.
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform
Comments are wanted on likely effectiveness of reforms in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Bill and any changes needed.
London Forum’s members should inform their own members so people living in Commonhold and Leasehold can contribute to the HCLG Committee on point 4. below by 31 March 2026.
Managing consultation responses
LB Hounslow and Chesterfield BC tested new digital tools for managing consultation responses.
- Outcome: Hounslow reduced the time and cost of processing responses and improved consistency across consultations which freed up officer time for engagement and plan making.
- Scale and approach: Pilot project delivered by planning teams from both councils working jointly with an external supplier and supported by service designers.
- Technology used: The councils worked with Urban Intelligence to develop and test new response management features within the existing PlaceMaker platform.
Details are here.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Try a new search:
How to petition Parliament
Old Kent Road development – update
High Value Council Tax Surcharge
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What are BIDs doing for Town Centres in Central and Outer London?
Earlier this year, London Forum organised a very interesting open meeting with members about the state of London’s High Streets and the night-time economy. One of the presenters was [more…]
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How Effective is Planning Enforcement?
📆 Mon 29th June | 18:30 - 20:30
🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
How can we make it work better? Planning enforcement is important. Unless it’s done effectively, the integrity of the whole planning system is put at risk. But it’s one of the most frustrating issues for civic societies and local community groups. We’ll discuss this and related issues at this Open Meeting on 29th June. Please book here ( https://www.londonforum.org.uk/events/how-effective-is-planning-enforcement#booking ) Cases typically include: Large developments that grossly fail to meet planning conditions or even submitted drawings and plans; Illegal demolitions; Unauthorised residential alterations and extensions; Additional floors…