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Localism Bill must consider its impact on businesses, says FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is concerned that the Localsim Bill as it stands is a missed opportunity that doesn’t fully recognise the importance of businesses in the local community.

The FSB is urging MPs to amend this part of the Bill as it reaches Report Stage in Parliament to ensure that business owners are able to join the forums to protect economic growth in local areas

As part of the Government’s ‘Big Society’ push, the Localism Bill aims to shift power from central government back to local communities.

John Walker, national chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said**:**“The aims of the Localism Bill are clear, but there are many issues that need to be addressed while it is still being debated and before it is enshrined in law.

“We call for MPs to amend the Bill to ensure that the needs of local businesses are fully reflected.

“One of the FSB’s main concerns is that businesses cannot currently become involved with the neighbourhood forums on planning.”

The FSB also expressed its concerns over part of the Bill which would give local communities the right to nominate and then suspend the sale of a local business property that has been placed on a safe list, known as The Community Right to Buy.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .