Localism Bill becomes Localism Act

The Queen gave the bill royal assent in the House of Lords this afternoon, the final stage in the bill becoming an act.

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: "We welcome the government's recognition of the need for localism to support sustainable economic growth and have been pleased to work closely with the government in developing the concept of business neighbourhoods in areas that are mainly commercial in character.

"We look forward to the government now realising the full potential of localism by pressing ahead with other measures that can empower local communities, such as greater local retention of rate revenues and tax increment financing."

Daniel Farrand, head of planning at law firm Mishcon de Reya, said: "My biggest concern having watched it all go through and followed the changes is what will happen in the transition.

"Obviously, the removal of RSSs and introduction of the neighbourhood plans will have to go through a process before we see the new system working in its final form.

"The main question there is whether politicians have the patience to see it through before tinkering again."

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