A House of Commons Library Briefing, published on 26 October 2026, explains the powers available to local authorities and others.

A MHCLG Statement on 16 July 2026 sets out the Government’s DECISIONS on LGR, following consultation on the proposals taken to consultation in February 2026. The Statement details the UNITARY PROPOSALS TO BE IMPLEMENTED, subjrct to Parliamentary approval ( and Judicial Review challenges ).

Ministers have, on 16 July 2016, confirmed plans for UNITARY COUNCILS in further two-tier areas  : –

Gloucestershire, 7.> 1

Derbyshire, 10>2

Warwickshire. 6>2

Worcestershire, 6>2 Read more »

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

TROWER v ELMBRIDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL ( 2025 ) EWHC 314 ( Admin ) concerns a challenge to a PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER under the ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR etc ACT 2014 restricting the unauthorised mooring of riverboats in certain areas.  It had been reasonable for the authority to conclude that littering and noise from boat users was anti-social behaviour and to associate the behaviour with unauthorised mooring. It was a legitimate factor that boats in neighbouring areas might be displaced into the authority’s area.

In AS v WALTHAM FOREST LBC (2024) EWHC 2808 ( Fam ) the Court set out general guidance about the manner in which Orders protecting against the risk of Female Genital Mutilation should be dealt with by local authorities.