Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has introduced legislation she claims will deliver the "biggest transfer of power from Whitehall to our regions and communities in a generation". The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill faces its second reading vote on Tuesday.
The legislation will abolish England's two-tier system of district and county councils, replacing them with single unitary authorities. These new combined local authorities will gain extensive powers over transport, planning and housing.
Rayner promises 'new era'
Rayner told MPs the bill would end the "begging bowl, micro-managing culture" and herald a "new era for Britain". She said: "This is what the Bill will do: drive the biggest transfer of power from Whitehall to our regions and communities in a generation, and ending the begging bowl, micro-managing culture."
The Deputy Prime Minister added: "Where previous governments promised and failed the British people, this Government is keeping faith."
New powers for mayors and communities
Regional mayors will gain responsibility for developing local economic plans and control over e-bike licensing and planning decisions. They will be able to impose "development orders" to accelerate building projects, while new "mayoral development corporations" aim to streamline implementation and attract investment.
The bill introduces a "community right to buy" allowing local groups first refusal on purchasing assets like pubs or shops. Commercial lease clauses enforcing "upward only" rent reviews will be banned to support small businesses and tackle vacant high streets.
Conservative opposition mounts
Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly branded the bill a "power grab" that strips authority from local councils. He said: "It is clearly a power grab by her, and her department. And it isn't about community empowerment at all. It is about stripping power from local authorities and concentrating it in Whitehall."
Cleverly compared the bill's title to George Orwell's Ministry of Truth from 1984. He accused the government of creating "a cohort of puppet mayors controlled by (Ms Rayner)'s department" through forced restructuring without council or voter approval.
Liberal Democrats raise cultural concerns
Liberal Democrat local government spokeswoman Vikki Slade warned the bill could erode local history and culture. She said: "District councils have long underpinned the civic identity of towns and driven the activities that reflect their origins."
Slade expressed concern that ancient towns and cities like Colchester and Winchester could lose their distinct identity. She argued the legislation "centralises decision making, limits community influence" and risks deepening regional inequality.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
