Lyons Inquiry into Local Government
Lyons Inquiry:
Lyons calls for councils to promote the role of housing in effective place shaping
Lyons Inquiry Press Notice: 21 June 2006
 
Sir Michael Lyons today called on all stakeholders in the housing sector to engage in the debate on the future of local government.
Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference in Harrogate, Sir Michael suggested that while local authorities are best placed to lead in the economic and social development of their communities, they would only be able to do this if they could demonstrate they were capable of a more inclusive style of engagement with key housing and planning bodies.
Singling out housing as one of the key factors that determine how people feel about their community, Sir Michael said:
"70% of households are owner-occupied, with a further 11% are rented from the private sector. While social housing remains very important, a local authority actively engaged in place shaping cannot ignore the housing needs and desires of people not in social housing. A sustainable community needs a range of different housing options, and should demand that these are actively planned and managed within the wider place shaping vision.
"Local authorities are the best placed local body to lead in the shaping of that local vision, and have a key convening role to play in bringing together other housing bodies and developers to deliver that vision for the whole area. But they will only be able to carry out this work if they can demonstrate they are confident in their abilities, and are willing to work proactively with others to build communities people will wish to be a part of."
During the speech, Sir Michael outlined his work to date on his Inquiry, and discussed the work he still needs to do particularly on the issues of council tax reform and the need to simplify and clarify council finances.
Sir Michael's presentation can be found on the Inquiry's website www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk.
Notes for Editors
  1. Sir Michael presented this speech at the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference at Harrogate International Centre 20-23 June. This event brought together professionals and decision makers from across the sector. A copy of his presentation can be found on the website www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk.
  2. Sir Michael Lyons was originally commissioned in July 2004 by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor to make recommendations on how to reform the local government funding system by December 2005. On 20 September 2005 the remit of the Inquiry was extended to enable Sir Michael to consider issues of function before finalising his conclusions on funding.
  3. On 15 December 2005 Sir Michael issued a consultation paper and interim report, inviting responses to the questions posed by 13 March 2006. At the same time submissions received from organisations and the research commissioned by the Inquiry were also published. A further paper will follow in Spring (see above) with the Inquiry concluding with a final report to Ministers in late 2006.
  4. The Inquiry is independent and therefore the decision on when to publish this Spring Paper was made only by Sir Michael.
  5. Copies of the report, submissions, research commissioned, and the terms of reference for the Inquiry, can be found on the Lyons Inquiry website at www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk
  6. Sir Micahel will present his final recommendations and findings to Government on the future role, function and funding of local government.
  7. Any press enquiries should be directed to GNN on 0207 261 8356.