The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has established an independent Commission to examine how communities can shape and manage their neighbourhoods in light of localism and the Big Society, and would like to hear evidence from those with expertise in the field.

The Land and Society Commission, to be chaired by Trevor Beattie, will comprise people drawn from the urban and rural property sectors, communities, academia and local government. It will lead a four-month investigation on how communities can embrace their new land and property roles, and would like to hear from those with experience in the fields of community action, the built environment and local government.

The Commission’s final report, due to be published in April, will make recommendations to government, policy makers and land and property sector bodies as to how to help empower communities to shape and manage their neighbourhoods. Oral evidence sessions will take place in February and March. Those who would like to contribute are asked to visit the Land and Society Commission section of the RICS website and submit their responses to a series of questions.

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"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," Trevor Beattie, Land and Society Commission Chairman, 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,” Thomas Pienaar, RICS Head of Corporate Affairs, added.

Witness sessions will be held at RICS head office in London and will focus on five key areas: community asset acquisition and management, neighbourhood planning, community housing, capacity building and valuation.

(GK)