A look ahead to new laws affecting councils
Hopefully, Parliament returned from its Christmas break full of energy because, with the next recess looming on 13 February, MPs and Peers are going to be very busy scrutinising government legislation.
For local government, the key bills of interest over the coming months will be the English Devolution Bill, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Renters’ Rights Bill, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Although yet to be published, the English Devolution Bill – which follows the English Devolution White Paper – will provide for the devolution of power from Whitehall, including strengthening mayoral powers, as well as local government reorganisation.
These reforms will have a significant impact on every council and community. While our members are – and always have been – open to change, the LGA remains clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide.
The LGA is engaging proactively with our members as we look to respond fully to the white paper. At the same time, we will be closely monitoring the bill and working with parliamentarians to ensure we get the best possible legislation on behalf of the sector.
Following on from revisions last month to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Government will make further changes through its Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Among these will be the power for local planning authorities to set their own planning fees, enabling local variation from a national default fee. In varying or setting their own fees, local authorities will not be able to set fees above costs.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will deliver a definitive end to Section 21 evictions, providing much-needed protection for tenants and addressing a major cause of homelessness. It also introduces safeguards against above-market rent increases and backdoor evictions.
By applying the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, the bill ensures higher property standards and greater tenant safety.
Additionally, it bans discrimination against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children, which will assist councils in supporting vulnerable residents.
Crucially, the bill enhances enforcement powers for councils by expanding the use of Rent Repayment Orders, giving local authorities more tools to tackle non-compliant landlords effectively.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will raise the legal age of sale for tobacco products and bring in rules regulating the marketing, flavours and descriptions of vapes.
We are fully supportive of the Government’s ‘smokefree generation’ ambition, which will improve people’s life chances. Local government has consistently led the way in tackling the harms caused by smoking, by calling for a ban on smoking in public places and funding smoking cessation services.
We also welcome the measures to restrict the availability and marketing of vapes to children. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children, and are a risk to their health.
There should be sufficient lead-in time and guidance given ahead of the legislation coming into force, so councils, retailers and others understand their new obligations and can prepare accordingly.
The LGA will also be keeping a close eye on other bills covering employment rights, terrorism (protection of premises), buses, children’s wellbeing and schools, mental health, use of and access to data, non-domestic rating, and lithium-ion battery safety.
- To find out more about the LGA’s work in Parliament.