First, I pay tribute to every Labour councillor who stood in May’s local elections – those re-elected and those who lost their seats – for your tireless dedication to the residents and communities you serve, and to our movement.
As council leaders, we see every day the pressures facing our residents: rising costs, public services under pressure and communities that have too often felt ignored.
That is why the measures announced in last month’s King’s Speech matter so much for local government and the residents we serve.
This Labour Government has recognised that incremental change is no longer enough.
After years of local services being hollowed out and councils asked to do more with less, the Government is setting out a programme designed to rebuild resilience, restore trust and create opportunity.
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill and Social Housing Renewal Bill together represent a significant step forward for local government. The proposed legislation will modernise property law and improve transparency for homeowners.
As part of this Government’s Plan for Change, reforms will transform the housing market by replacing the leasehold model and protecting social housing stock, supporting delivery of new affordable homes and strengthening protections for vulnerable tenants.
Together, these measures show a government committed to empowering councils and supporting more resilient communities with a sustainable system of home ownership for future generations.
For councils, the commitment to regional growth and infrastructure investment is also significant. The Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill and reforms to support clean energy and modernised transport networks offer real opportunities for communities in every region to thrive.
In addition, the Overnight Visitor Levy Bill provides new powers for councils and mayors to introduce visitor levies and will help reinvest tourism income into local services.
Above all, this legislative agenda signals a government ready to work in partnership with councils and local leaders to build a stronger, fairer and more secure Britain for the future.
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