PF15

Legislation Committee No 1

Responsed to the consultation on the Proposed Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure

Councillor Lisa Mytton, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (Personal Response)

Please note my interest in this started when I sat on a residents committee, we have been trying to save a very large playing field in the village of Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil from being redeveloped by the local authority, they have sat on this decision for 8 years and they have not been honest or forthcoming with information even though we have heard several rumours, the field is currently being used for sport and other forms of recreation. This was one of the reasons I stood in the local elections in May 2008 as an independent councillor

Response from Cllr Lisa Mytton, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, my response is done as an individual and not on behalf of the council or a group.

Consultation on Proposed Playing Fields (Community Involvement in Disposal Decisions) (Wales) Measure

1. Is there a need for an Assembly Measure in relation to community involvement in decisions by local authorities whether to dispose of playing fields?

I completely acknowledge that it is vitally important the assembly has a measure in place to protect and scrutinise the proposed use/disposal of playing fields. Far too often decisions are made without proper consultation especially with the local community who are greatly affected.

2. What are your views on the key provisions set out in the proposed Measure, i.e.

-the duty on local authorities to consider the impact that selling off playing fields would have on local communities before deciding whether to dispose;

-the principal definitions (Section 2);

-the duty on local authorities to prepare and consult on impact statements before deciding whether to dispose (in particular, the method and scale of consultation, and content of impact statements)(Section 3);

-the duty on local authorities to prepare a decision statement, including its content, and the arrangements for making known its decision (Section 6);

-the statutory consultees as set out in the Schedule to the proposed Measure; and

-powers of Welsh Ministers to issue stop and remedial directions to local authorities (Section 7).

In summary I fully agree with all of the above statements and wish to draw attention to local authorities, impact statements would be seen as a new way forward, a local authority that is open and transparent and one that collaborates with the wider community rather than dictates. The same must be said the welsh ministers who must use their powers effectively if they feel that the disposal of a field is unjustified and not necessary.

The definitions are set out clearly.

3. What are the practical and financial implications of putting these provisions in place?

There should be no further financial implication for a local authority if they follow the procedures suggested and proper impact statements are produced. The only financial implications I can foresee would be for a community group and / or residents who may wish to appeal against a judgement.

There may be minimal costs relating to consulting with the public and what form this may take.

4. Will the proposed Measure achieve its overall purpose and aim?

The liaison with the key statutory bodies is imperative and therefore I feel the proposed measure should achieve its aims.