Local councils call for greater licensing powers under English devolution bill

The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the UK government to strengthen local licensing powers as part of the proposed English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. In its latest briefing, the LGA emphasizes that genuine devolution must include the ability for councils to shape and enforce licensing regimes that reflect local needs and priorities. While the bill outlines broad competencies for strategic authorities—including public safety and economic development—it lacks specific provisions to enhance local control over licensing frameworks.

Councils currently play a central role in licensing decisions related to alcohol, entertainment, taxis, and housing, but the LGA argues that these responsibilities should be expanded and clarified within the new devolution framework. The association calls for statutory recognition of councils’ leadership in licensing and public safety, particularly in areas such as regulating short-term lets, managing night-time economies, and addressing anti-social behavior linked to licensed premises.

The LGA also supports the introduction of a local tourism levy, which would allow councils to impose charges on overnight stays and reinvest the revenue into local infrastructure and services. This measure, while not strictly a licensing power, aligns with the broader push for fiscal autonomy and place-based decision-making.

As the bill moves toward its second reading in Parliament, the LGA continues to advocate for amendments that would enshrine councils’ role in licensing and ensure that new strategic authorities operate in true partnership with local government.

You can read the full briefing on the Local Government Association’s website.