Sustainable Communities Act 2007

Town and parish councils will soon be allowed to make direct proposals to the Secretary of State under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007.


The Sustainable Communities Act (SCA) 2007 allowed district/unitary councils and communities to put forward ideas and proposals on how best to improve the quality of life and wellbeing in their local areas.

The Local Government Association (LGA) was appointed in round one as the national 'selector' body to assess and shortlist proposals made by councils under the act. Proposals from the final shortlist were then decided on by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, after consultation with the LGA as selector.

The Act did not initially extend this power to make proposals to town and parish councils. However, after a consultation last summer it has been announced, under the Sustainable Communities Act, Regulations 2012, that local councils can now make direct proposals to the Secretary of State. If he rejects that proposal and the council subsequently want to re-submit an amended or the original proposal, NALC will act as Parish Selector. NALC will establish an Advisory Board to help it make decisions on whether to re-submit proposals to the Secretary of State.

More information about the Act on the Local Works website and examples of the Act being used in practice.