Following the King’s Speech in July 2024 and the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, on 10 July 2025 the long awaited, in the event 329 pages, ENGLISH DEVOLUTION AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT BILL has been introduced in the House of Commons, and awaits Second Reading.
Part 1 ( Sections 1-19 inc ) relates to STRATEGIC AUTHORITIES for each are in England, including Combined Authorities, Combined County Authorities ( CCAs ) and Mayors.
Part 2 ( Sections 20-54 inc ) relates to the functions of Strategic Authorities and Mayors, including with respect to Mayoral Power of Competence; areas of competence, being Transport and Local Infrastructure, Skills and Employment Support, Housing and Strategic Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration, Health Improvement, and Public Safety; and extensions of functions.
Part 3 contains other measures about local government and Police & Crime Commissioners ( PCCs ). Chapter 1 of Part 3 ( Sections 55-59 inc ) relates to reorganisation, governance and elections , including single tiers of local government, executives effective neighbourhood governance, and voting changes for Mayors and PCCs, including ditching First Past the Post, and returning to the Supplementary Vote System. Chapter 2 of Part 3 ( Section 60 ) relates to community right to buy assets of community value and protection of sporting assets.
Part 4 ( Sections 61-70 inc ) relates to LOCAL AUDIT, including establishment of Local Audit Office, registration of local audit providers, new appointment arrangements, lead partners, Codes of Audit Practice, audit consultees, and paving the way for separation of LGPS accounts.
Part 5 ( Section 71 ) relates to commercial leases; and Part 6 ( Sections 72-79 inc ) contains final provisions, including as to interpretation, Regulations, and financial provision.
There are 31 Schedules.