Progress made and the road ahead
The LGA welcomes further devolution to England. This is a core ask of our sector, and we have long championed the genuine transfer of powers to local places.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill presents a valuable opportunity to embed that ambition into legislation.
With Parliament returning after its Christmas recess, it is worth reflecting on the progress already secured and the priorities that must still be addressed.
The bill was introduced in the Commons last September. While supportive of the bill from the outset, the LGA has consistently made clear that additional measures are needed to ensure it delivers genuine devolution for communities.
By the time of report stage, in late November, we had engaged widely across the sector. This included detailed work with internal groups, local government bodies and public sector partners.
Alongside this, we engaged with MPs to develop a set of well-considered amendments designed to secure better outcomes for councils. Several positive changes were achieved.
One of the most significant steps forward was the Government’s announcement that mayors will be able to introduce a visitor levy. This move is welcome, although the LGA will continue to advocate for councils to access this power.
Another achievement was an amendment allowing councillors to choose not to publish their home addresses, reflecting a long-standing LGA ask to support councillor safety.
On governance arrangements, the Government eased the requirement for councils to move from a committee system to a leader and cabinet model. However, it remains a concern that the revision would still require some councils to change immediately.
We also pressed for stronger local collaboration. Helen Morgan MP, LGA Vice-President and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, tabled an amendment on our behalf to introduce a duty on local public service partners – such as integrated care boards and NHS trusts, police and fire authorities – to cooperate with strategic authorities and principal councils.
While it was not included in the bill, broad support for coherent local decision-making provides a solid basis to re-table this amendment in the Lords.
In addition, the bill now allows government to introduce national minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles, responding to, in part, LGA asks.
These achievements are promising, but important gaps remain.
Key areas still require attention, including expanding the role of culture and creative industries, and introducing safeguards on the use of ministerial powers to create or expand strategic authorities without local consent.
We will also continue to call for a robust role for constituent councils in decision-making and development of local growth plans, and measures to ensure appropriate scrutiny and governance arrangements for appointed commissioners.
Ahead of the bill’s second reading in the Lords in December, the LGA briefed peers on these priority areas. It was encouraging to see strong interest and several LGA vice-chairs speaking in the debate.
With the bill now in committee stage, we stand ready to work with ministers and parliamentarians to ensure the final legislation delivers meaningful devolution.
At the halfway point of the bill’s passage, we can be pleased with the progress made while recognising the significant work that still lies ahead.
- Find out more about the LGA’s parliamentary work.