I would like to wish everyone across the local government family a prosperous 2026 and congratulate all those in the sector who were recognised for their efforts in the New Year Honours List – in particular, the former Leader of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Martin Tett, who has been made a CBE.
However, considering another difficult finance settlement for local government, I know the budget-setting process will become even more challenging as we move into 2026.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill started its Lords committee stages this month.
It is profound that, for a bill of this magnitude and importance, the Government has taken the decision to move proceedings at committee stage from the floor of the House and into Grand Committee.
“Conservative Peers will be pushing worthy amendments”
This decision is normally only taken for the scrutiny of secondary legislation and bills considered not to be contentious by all sides of the House.
I know that Conservative Peers in the House of Lords will be scrutinising every line of the bill and pushing worthy amendments in January.
Baroness Scott and Lord Jamieson will be pushing hard on the far-reaching powers awarded to the Secretary of State in the bill.
They will also be moving amendments on the need for constituent councils in strategic authorities to approve governance changes – for example, in the new strategic authorities.