The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (the Bill) has reached the Report Stage in The House of Lords and has reached amendment 146 (20 July 2023). Government has produced a consultation document relating to plan making (25 July 2023). The Bill reached its third reading in the Lords on 21 September 2023 where it was approved after 16 days in Committee and more than 1000 amends. Royal Assent will be sought after the Parliamentary Recess.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has stated it is pleased by the government’s commitment to speed up the process to devolution by 2030. The LGA considers, however, that the Bill still falls short of what is needed and is supporting a number of amendments.

The Bill contains a number of "structures" and "tools" spilt into 13 parts with the aim of addressing entrenched geographic disparities across the UK.

It has already been criticised as being "too far reaching", "lacking details and ambition" and allowing too much "self-regulation" but no one can doubt its desire to tackle issues comprehensively.

Read our insight here where our experts briefly set out what the Bill contains.

The LGA are seeking an amendment to ensure, that demographic disparities are also addressed as part of the levelling up agenda. In addition, there is concern that the proposed risk mitigation measures in clause 74 potentially give the SoS too much leeway to intervene. They believe full engagement and consultation should take place before enacting these regulations to address genuine concerns.

There is clearly a considerable way to go with all the elements detailed in the Bill to ensure they function as intended and deliver the changes and benefits so urgently required.

Local Government Forward View 2023

This article is part of Capsticks’ Local Government Forward View 2023. Read the other articles featured in this publication below:

• Combined Authorities
• Investment Zones
• Building Safety Reforms
• Online Safety Bill
• Environmental Impact Assessments
• Procurement Bill
• Industrial action
• The conflict between trans rights and religion or belief
• Public service pension scheme reform

How Capsticks can help

To discuss how this may affect your organisation, please get in touch with Tiffany Cloynes.