Commission sets up to look at how communities can shape neighbourhoods under government policy

The RICS has launched a commission to look at how people can use new powers to change where they live.

The Land and Society Commission will publish a report in April for communities and policymakers examining how the government’s “Big Society” and localism agenda can be used to alter their neighbourhoods.

The commission will be chaired by Trevor Beattie, previously director of placemaking at the Homes and Communities Agency.

“Localism and the Big Society present a major opportunity for communities across the country to shape their future and to create valuable new local assets. The role of this new commission is to investigate how best to provide communities with knowledge and resources necessary to make the most of their new responsibilities,” he said.

The commission will draw on people from urban and rural property sectors, communities, academia and local government, the RICS said.

A spokesperson for the RICS said: “We would be extremely interested to hear from those with expertise in community action, the built environment and local government who feel they may be able to contribute.

“The final report will make recommendations directly to government, policy makers and land and property sector bodies as to how best to ensure the success of these newly devolved powers.”

Topics