Lords ask government to think again on English Devolution Bill

The House of Lords has pressed the government to reconsider several key elements of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill after the legislation returned for another round of parliamentary ‘ping pong’ on 27 April.

The bill aims to create a consistent national model for English devolution by establishing a new tier of strategic authorities. It builds on the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016, and the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Peers examined Commons changes to earlier Lords amendments, focusing on issues such as adding rural and coastal communities to the bill’s competence areas and strengthening the promotion of parish governance.

Four votes were held. Members voted to insist on amendments previously removed or altered by the Commons, including proposals to prioritise brownfield land for development, give communities a greater say over local governance structures, and streamline the process for establishing combined authorities. A revised amendment on integrating new developments with existing businesses and facilities was rejected.

The bill now returns to the Commons for further consideration. Time has been set aside for the Lords to examine any additional amendments on 28 April if required.

Earlier stages of consideration saw peers debate issues including mayoral appointments of commissioners and the integration of new development with existing facilities. Seven divisions were held during the first day of consideration of Commons amendments, with the Lords insisting on changes relating to combined authorities, parish governance, rural affairs and local authority governance. Alternative amendments on brownfield sites and protections for existing businesses were agreed, while a proposal concerning Greater London Authority budget decisions was rejected.

The bill has progressed through third reading, report stage, committee stage and second reading since December.