The Government’s first parliamentary session is coming to a close, having started on 17 July 2024 – an uncommonly long period.
A King’s Speech, marking the beginning of a new session, will be delivered at the State Opening of Parliament on 13 May. Expectations are for a more focused legislative programme than that announced in 2024, but while the number of bills may be limited, the implications for local government could be significant.
Our analysis suggests a session shaped as much by what is carried over – and what has yet to be delivered – as by any new announcements. For councils, this creates both uncertainty and opportunity.
Several commitments from the previous King’s Speech remain unresolved.
Notably, proposals on audit and corporate governance reform have been dropped, while planned legislation on regulation of artificial intelligence and ransomware has yet to materialise. This leaves councils facing continued uncertainty around assurance, cyber resilience and regulatory frameworks.
At the same time, several major bills currently progressing through Parliament may not complete their passage before the new session. These include legislation on children’s wellbeing and schools, crime and policing, electoral reform, and asylum policy.
This reliance on carry-over legislation reinforces the importance of sustained engagement. For local government, the detail of how these bills evolve will be as important as any new measures announced.
Among the most significant anticipated developments is a forthcoming NHS reform bill. Early intelligence points to changes in system governance, data sharing and the structure of patient-voice arrangements.
For councils, the stakes are high. There is strong interest in ensuring that health reforms maintain place-based accountability, retain a meaningful local citizen voice, and support genuine integration between health, social care and wider public services.
Proposals such as the single patient record will need to reflect the full breadth of local services, not just NHS provision.
Other additional legislative areas likely to come into focus include potential reforms to councillor standards and accountability, new flexibilities in local taxation and changes to business rates.
There is also the prospect of further legislation linked to asylum, safeguarding, and environmental regulation.
While some of these measures may not appear as standalone bills, they are likely to emerge through a combination of primary and secondary legislation.
This growing volume of secondary legislation – particularly linked to employment rights and sector-specific reforms – will require ongoing attention, as its cumulative impact on councils could be substantial.
Across all portfolios, a clear set of priorities underpins the LGA’s approach. These include securing long-term financial sustainability, strengthening the role of councils in public service reform, enabling effective devolution, and improving outcomes in housing and homelessness.
Alongside this, there is a strong focus on supporting digital transformation, building workforce capacity and reinforcing local democratic leadership. These are not new challenges, but the legislative programme provides a critical opportunity to address them in a more coordinated way.
Our overarching message is clear: national policy ambitions will only succeed if they are grounded in local delivery. Councils bring deep understanding of their communities and play a central role in shaping place-based solutions.
The focus must be on ensuring that legislation, whether new or carried over, supports this role.
With the right framework in place, local government can help turn legislative intent into tangible improvements for communities.
- A full LGA briefing will be produced within 24 hours of the King’s Speech being delivered on 13 May.