Local Democracy 4 Merton

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 24th Apr 2009

Local supporters for the Sustainable Communities Act

'Local Democracy 4 Merton' is a group set up to draw attention to a new law, the Sustainable Communities Act. If this law is implemented locally by Merton Council it would give residents and the Council the power to influence what central government does and spends locally. It could help the Council promote things like renewable energy and public transport, and protect green spaces, local shops and post offices.

What's different about this Act? This NOT a consultation, this is governance by dialogue and reaching agreement. Hazel Blears MP said, this Act is about "turning power upside down in this country".

THE ACT'S POTENTIAL IS HUGE.

Note: The Sustainable Communities Act became law, with cross party support, due to the 5 year campaign run by Local Works, a coalition of over 90 national organisations including the Women's Institute, UNISON, Friends of the Earth, Help the Aged, the Cooperative Group, the National Federation of Retail Newsagents, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and the Campaign for Real Ale.