GENERAL POWERS

May 1st, 2026 by James Goudie KC in General

Part 1 of the 172 Section  CRIME & POLICING ACT 2026, with 18 Schedules, relates to ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, Part 4 to CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION and Part 9 to PUBLIC ORDER.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION

April 30th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Local Authority Powers

The ENGLISH DEVOLUTION AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ACT 2026 amongst other matters (1) introduces STRATEGIC AUTHORITIES across England, which will areas and powers of COMPETENCE and to which powers will be transferred, (2) designates the GLA, Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities as Strategic Authorities, (3) enables Strategic Authorities to call in strategically important developments and prepare Mayoral Development Orders, (4) promote a move away from two tier areas and towards UNITARY  STRUCTURES, (5) gives new powers to MAYORS, and returns to the Supplementary Voting System for Mayoral Elections, (6) requires the establishment of EFFECTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD GOVERNANCE, (7) establishes the LOCAL AUDIT Office and a new framework for local auditors, and (8) introduces a COMMUNITY RIGHT TO BUY ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE.

 

KING’S SPEECH 2026

April 30th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Local Authority Powers

The State Opening of Parliament and the King’s Speech are scheduled for 13 May 2026. Seven Public Bills  are being carried over from the previous Session. These include the Representation of the People Bill, the Courts and Tribunal Bill, and the Public Office ( Accountability ) Bill.

 

PENSIONS

April 30th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Local Authority Powers

Key provisions of the PENSION SCHEMES ACT 2026 cover INVESTMENT and GOVERNANCE in the LGPS. Details will be set in Regulations yet to be consulted upon and made. LGPS ASSETS will be consolidated into POOLS to be managed by FCA regulated Managers.

 

NEW LEGISLATION

April 29th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Local Authority Powers

On 29 April 20226 Royal Assent has been given to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and the Pension Schemes Bill.

 

TOURISM

April 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Environment, Highways and Leisure

The Senedd’s Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation ( Wales) Bill has received Royal Assent. It (1) promotes the development of tourism, (2) regulates the provision of visitor accommodation , and (3) establishes a directory of visitor accommodation premises.

 

PLANNING

April 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Planning and Environmental

 

The Senedd’s Planning ( Wales) Bill has received Royal Assent. It CONSOLIDATES certain enactments relating to planning. See also the Planning ( Consequential Provisions ) ( Wales ) Bill.

 

BUILDING SAFETY

April 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Housing

The Building Safety ( Wales ) Bill has received Royal assent. It makes provision for the safety of people (1) in or about buildings containing 2 or more residential units and (2) in or about certain houses in multiple occupation.

 

WALES

April 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Environment, Highways and Leisure

The Senedd’s Environment ( Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets ( ( Wales ) Bill has on 27 April 2026 received Royal Assent. Its provisions include Environmental Objectives and Principles ( Part 1 ), the establishment of the Office of Environmental Governance wales, with power to ensure compliance by public authorities with environmental law ( Part 2 ), and biodiversity targets ( Part 3 ).

 

FISCAL DEVOLUTION

April 27th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Local Authority Powers

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee seeks submissions by 5 June 2026 on FISCAL DEVOLUTION IN ENGLAND, its DISTRIBUTIONAL CONSEQUENCES, and the GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS needed as more powers are devolved to local areas.

 

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