Found: The current version of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would include air quality

Found: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Dame Sarah Healey DCB CVO Permanent Secretary

Found: Finally, a Bill going through Parliament at the moment, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: We managed to get a clean air duty into the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, but

Found: what do you think of the possibility of including culture and heritage in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: 2024 with the Local Audit Reform Strategy, which includes provisions in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will introduce a new community right to buy, empowering

Found: opinion is that, under a more regulated scheme—potentially, following the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: the local audit system, and there are a range of audit measures within the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2024 included climate as a competency for strategic

Found: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2024 included climate as a competency for strategic

Found: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will also introduce a new duty on local authorities

Found: which together will be categorised as Mayoral Strategic Authorities under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: Established’ Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) under the provisions of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: App.Cas 473 per Lord Selborne at pg 478. 4 Clauses 73 of and Schedule 30 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: App.Cas 473 per Lord Selborne at pg 478. 4 Clauses 73 of and Schedule 30 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, the Government will introduce a strong

Found: at scale. 20.The possibility of a community infrastructure levy from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: expects that more areas will consider adopting CIL following Royal Assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: British Railways as set out in the Devolution White Paper is absent from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill gives with one hand but takes with the other.

Found: Delivering integration through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill The English Devolution

Found: the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), the Bus Services Bill and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs) licences through an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Found: In the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we are taking the power to set national minimum

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse report published in June 2025, what steps her Department is taking to strengthen taxi and private hire vehicle licensing regulations.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) driver licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national standards for taxi and PHV licensing and to enable the suspension, with immediate effect, of any licence issued by any authority in whose area it is being used if such action is needed to protect public safety.

If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England and provide licensing authorities with greater powers to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.

The Government is currently consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their current and proposed enforcement powers.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what the estimated annual operating cost of the proposed Local Audit Office will be; how it will be funded; how its powers and remit will differ from the existing audit framework; and what timetable has been set for clearing the backlog of outstanding local authority audits prior to its establishment in autumn 2026.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Local Audit Office will take on a remit and powers currently fragmented across the existing system with its statutory objectives and functions detailed in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. We will confirm the estimated cost and funding mechanisms later in the year, ensuring that it provides greater value for money than the current failed system.

Following the introduction of statutory local audit backstop dates in autumn 2024, the backlog of unaudited accounts has been cleared. The vast majority of opinions for financial years up to and including 2024/25 have been published.

The government continues to engage with local bodies and audit firms to ensure that issues preventing the issuance of audit opinions are resolved, and that remaining opinions are published as soon as practicable.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of e-scooter trial schemes on urban transport usage; what analysis she has undertaken of safety performance and usage trends; and what plans she has for the future regulation of shared micromobility schemes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The first national evaluation of the e-scooter rental trials was published on the Department’s website in 2022. The evaluation captured evidence on the impact of schemes, including on usage and safety.

A second national evaluation started in 2025 and is expected to report in 2027. This evaluation aims to gather updated evidence on usage, what journeys e-scooters are replacing, integration with public transport, and their safety both on the road and for other road users, compared to other modes.

In July 2025, the Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill includes measures empowering local leaders to license shared cycle schemes. This legislation may also extend to shared e-scooter and other shared micromobility schemes in future.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when Cumulative Impact Assessments for gambling licensing will be introduced.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has now tabled an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill with the intention of introducing Gambling Impact Assessment (GIAs), formerly referred to as Cumulative Impact Assessments. The implementation date will be confirmed in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department has taken to implement Baroness Casey's recommendation on stopping out of area taxis from the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse report.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and PHV driver licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords.

If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. The Government is currently consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their enforcement powers.

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred lists check as part of its licensing processes. All licensing authorities in England have advised that they require this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to obtain a DBS check.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and PHV driver licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords.

If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. The Government is currently consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their enforcement powers.

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred lists check as part of its licensing processes. All licensing authorities in England have advised that they require this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of taxi drivers operating outside their licensing area on (a) public safety and (b) compliance monitoring.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and PHV driver licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords.

If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. The Government is currently consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their enforcement powers.

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred lists check as part of its licensing processes. All licensing authorities in England have advised that they require this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what legislative steps she plans to take to update taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and PHV driver licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords.

If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

The Department continues to consider further options for reform, including out-of-area working and enforcement. We need to ensure that taxis and PHVs are able to work in a way that facilitates the journeys passengers want and need to make, in a consistently safe way, whilst achieving the best overall outcomes for passenger safety. The Government is currently consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their enforcement powers.

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred lists check as part of its licensing processes. All licensing authorities in England have advised that they require this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the City of Wolverhampton Council's safeguarding standards for obtaining taxi and private hire vehicle licenses.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department’s statutory guidance sets out a robust set of measures that taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities should act on to safeguard the most vulnerable in society. This recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred lists check as part of its licensing processes. The City of Wolverhampton Council has advised that it requires this important safeguard and carries out automated criminality checks on a daily basis.

We undertake regular surveys of all licensing authorities to better understand how all licensing authorities ensure the safety of their passengers. Data from the Department’s 2026 survey of licensing authorities in England, which includes details on safeguarding polices, will be published in summer.

The Government is legislating to tackle inconsistencies in taxi and PHV licensing. As a first step, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords. If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what data his Department holds on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces that have closed in the last three years.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Responsibility for the provision and management of community buildings and spaces sits primarily with local authorities and local partners, who are best placed to understand local need and demand. The Department engages more broadly with councils in Essex and the voluntary and community sector through cohesion projects and policy initiatives that can support community infrastructure and resilience, for example, through the Common Ground Awards. This is a capital grant programme that funds voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England to improve or equip community spaces that bring people together from different backgrounds. The awards support small-scale building works or equipment purchases to strengthen social cohesion and help communities connect and share space.

The Department does not hold data on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces which have closed in the last 3 years.

Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we are, however, introducing a new community right to buy that will empower communities to take ownership of valued community spaces and protect them for the benefit of the wider community.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of affordable community spaces for charities and voluntary organisations in a) Essex and b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Responsibility for the provision and management of community buildings and spaces sits primarily with local authorities and local partners, who are best placed to understand local need and demand. The Department engages more broadly with councils in Essex and the voluntary and community sector through cohesion projects and policy initiatives that can support community infrastructure and resilience, for example, through the Common Ground Awards. This is a capital grant programme that funds voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England to improve or equip community spaces that bring people together from different backgrounds. The awards support small-scale building works or equipment purchases to strengthen social cohesion and help communities connect and share space.

The Department does not hold data on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces which have closed in the last 3 years.

Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we are, however, introducing a new community right to buy that will empower communities to take ownership of valued community spaces and protect them for the benefit of the wider community.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to introduce a single national definition of a fit and proper person for taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her timetable is for the implementation of national taxi standards across England.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

If passed, we are committed to using the powers to set the standards as quickly as possible. As this will be the first time that mandatory standards in taxi and private hire vehicle licensing have been set, it is vital that sufficient time is taken to get them right to provide certainty and stability for passengers and the trades.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 108227 on Combined Authorities: Surrey, whether other strategic authorities will be given the transport and adult skill functions held by county councils; and whether its role will include adult social care.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution framework and legislation set out the powers and functions to be held by strategic authorities.

Where they exist, strategic authorities become the Local Transport Authority and exercise some public transport functions, including bus franchising and responsibility for developing and implementing an area-wide Local Transport Plan. Local Authorities remain the Highways Authority for their areas. Strategic authorities are also responsible for the core Adult Skills Fund. When a new strategic authority is created, they will be conferred with the relevant functions and funding. In some cases there is a transition period where functions are held concurrently between the SA and LAs for a period.

The devolution framework does not confer any social care powers on strategic authorities. Local authorities will retain responsibility for social care provision and the changes brought about by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will not alter this in any way.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department requires each local area to have a local growth plan.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local Growth Plans are a key pillar of our regional growth agenda and every Mayoral Strategic Authority in England should develop and publish a Local Growth Plan. We intend to make this a statutory requirement through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Foundation Strategic Authorities and Local Authorities in non-devolution areas have an important role to play in driving local growth. They may wish to read the guidance on developing a Local Growth Plan when considering next steps for greater devolution and their own economic plans. We encourage all authorities to set out a vision for growth in their area that can help to attract investment and drive growth; however, the government does not require this.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department provides guidance to blind and partially sighted people who are unable to cycle or drive.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The government is committed to improving transport services, so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity, including for blind and partially sighted people. As part of our broader mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we recognise that more needs to be done to ensure public transport is accessible to all.

Our Bus Services Act 2025 includes a comprehensive package of measures to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of local transport. Through the Act, we are helping authorities to provide safer and more accessible bus stations and stops and mandating more streamlined disability training for bus drivers and frontline staff. We are also requiring local authorities to regularly review the accessibility of their bus networks through the development and publication of a Bus Network Accessibility Plan.

We are equally committed to improving the experience for disabled passengers on rail services and that is why we published the Department’s roadmap to an accessible railway. It sets out what we are doing now to improve the day-to-day travelling experience for disabled passengers in the lead up to Great British Railways being established. The Railways Bill will also establish a Passenger Watchdog, protecting the rights of disabled passengers by monitoring service delivery, investigating persistent issues, and advocating for improvements. We are also continuing to install accessible routes at stations through our Access for All programme and have completed a programme to install platform edge safety tactiles on every platform in the country.

The government recognises that pavement parking is also an issue that resonates deeply with communities across the country. The impact is felt by many; particularly people living with sight-loss, mobility or sensory disabilities, older adults, parents with young children, and anyone who relies on safe, accessible pavements to move around independently.

We are taking forward a new, devolved approach to pavement parking, reflecting our commitment to decisions being made closer to the communities they affect. Local leaders understand their community best and are therefore in the strongest position to meet local needs effectively. The measures the government is taking forward support our commitment to improve transport users’ experience, ensuring that our roads and pavements are safe, reliable, and inclusive.

The Department also provides advice to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England on the steps they can take to improve the accessibility of services. This recommends mandatory disability awareness training for drivers and sets out recommendations to make reporting of incidents of alleged discrimination straightforward, with authorities expected to investigate thoroughly and take effective action. It also recognises the specific challenges that visually impaired passengers may face when providing evidence of incidents and advises licensing authorities to accept appropriate audio or video evidence and, where relevant, seek information from operators and partner agencies. The guidance also encourages authorities to explore more accessible payment options, such as ‘talking’ meters or more accessible card readers.

Further, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

The provision of accessible transport services, including for blind and partially sighted people, also requires a strong impetus from transport providers. We would expect transport authorities and operators to play their part in delivering this service – by communicating with their passengers, including about the accessibility measures they provide to encourage use.

To build on this, we are committed to developing an Accessible Travel Charter. The Charter is a commitment to a shared vision for accessible travel. It will set out what disabled travellers can expect from their journeys, share best practice across organisations and create consistency in end-to-end journeys for disabled travellers.

The Department also provides other support to allow blind and partially sighted passengers to travel including through the blue badge scheme and concessionary travel on public transport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government will specify a minimum pass mark for any safeguarding test required for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to undertake safeguarding training. Licensing authorities are responsible for deciding the content and format of such training, including whether it includes a test with a minimum pass mark.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 35 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, which police forces will transfer to the authority of (a) Strategic Authority Mayors and (b) Policing and Crime Boards.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government committed in the English Devolution White Paper to transfer Police and Crime Commissioner functions to mayors of strategic authorities by default, wherever possible. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provisions to achieve this aim. Subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent, transfers of functions to mayors will take place in areas where the boundaries of the mayoral strategic authority and policing area align, at a date set by the Secretary of State by Order.

In all other areas, Policing and Crime Boards will be established in May 2028 at the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner model.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether it is his policy for Gloucestershire to be placed in a mayoral combined authority devolution deal with Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 12 February, the government wrote to all local authorities – including in Gloucestershire and its neighbours – that do not currently have a devolution agreement inviting them to come forward with to agree a non-mayoral, Foundation Strategic Authority across a sensible geography.

It is for councils to propose new devolution arrangements where local consensus has been reached with their neighbours, and we will consider any proposals brought forward, subject to it meeting the criteria set out in the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what is his proposed timetable for Gloucestershire to join a mayoral combined authority.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On 12 February, the government wrote to all local authorities – including in Gloucestershire and its neighbours – that do not currently have a devolution agreement inviting them to come forward with to agree a non-mayoral, Foundation Strategic Authority across a sensible geography.

It is for councils to propose new devolution arrangements where local consensus has been reached with their neighbours, and we will consider any proposals brought forward, subject to it meeting the criteria set out in the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the role of pubs as community hubs in rural areas.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government recognises the vital role of pubs in rural areas, supporting local economies, providing spaces for people to come together, and offering essential services for local people.

Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we will introduce a new community right to buy to empower local people to bring valued assets such as pubs into community ownership and protect them for the benefit of the wider community. Our £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme will support investment in valued local assets. The selection methodology for the programme targets need across all communities, including rural areas.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will amend statutory taxi and private hire vehicle licensing guidance to ensure that licensing authorities require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to undertake safeguarding training and demonstrate safeguarding knowledge as a condition of licensing.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department’s existing statutory guidance recommends that licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to undertake safeguarding training.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to empower communities in local decision-making processes.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government’s Pride in Place Programme empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods, providing up to £5.8 billion funding and support over 10 years for 284 neighbourhoods.

Additionally, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will require all local authorities in England to establish neighbourhood governance, to move decision-making closer to residents.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Government policies on rural economies and high streets on the social and community value of pubs.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Pubs are at the heart of rural communities, supporting the local economy, providing a space for people to come together, and offering essential services. The Government is investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we will also introduce a new community right to buy to empower communities to bring valued assets such as pubs into community ownership and protect them for future use.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to introduce planning reforms through primary legislation.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Planning and Infrastructure Act received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill , which contains provisions relating to housing and strategic planning, continues its passage through the other place.

Parliament will continue to be updated in the usual way in respect of the government’s planning reform agenda, including any future measures which may require primary legislation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he us taking to help ensure new regeneration tools like Community Right to Buy deliver outcomes for independent retailers.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to supporting independent retailers and the high streets on which they operate. Community right to buy, which we are introducing through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, will empower local communities to bring a wide range of assets into community ownership and protect them for future use, including shops.

This is part of a wider suite of regeneration tools the Government is introducing, including High Street Rental Auctions and a more streamlined Compulsory Purchase Order process, which offer councils and communities the chance to preserve valuable spaces and create a higher quality trading environment for independent retailers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to require in-vehicle CCTV in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords. Should Parliament enable the setting of standards, mandating CCTV in vehicles will be considered as part of that process.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will publish guidance for local authorities on the composition of Neighbourhood Area Committees.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill brings a new requirement for local authorities to make appropriate governance arrangements for any neighbourhood area. The government will publish guidance to support the local authorities in the implementation of this policy in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she is taking steps to change the licensing of taxis in the context of the Casey Review.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Government response to Baroness Casey’s report committed to legislate to tackle the inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill seeks a power for the Secretary of State to set national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords.

If passed, national minimum standards would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep vulnerable children and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel. This is an important first step and the Department continues to consider further options for reform. The Government is consulting on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing. Administering licensing across larger areas would further increase consistency in licensing and enable better resourced authorities to make better use of their enforcement powers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help address safety risks from the abandonment of e-bikes on pavements.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

We understand that e-bikes parked obstructively on pavements are not just an inconvenience but a real safety risk, particularly for vulnerable pavement users.

That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will create a legal requirement for shared e-cycle schemes to be licensed by local leaders and will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety. This will provide local leaders with greater powers to combat street clutter and misuse of shared vehicles.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the investigation by London Centric into Lime Bike accidents.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Road safety is a top priority for this Government. That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety.

We will consult in depth before implementing licensing, with safety being a core consideration. Licence conditions could include reporting and maintenance requirements.

Ministers and officials engage regularly with shared cycle operators, local authorities, and other groups to understand the challenges and opportunities these schemes can present.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to monitor the maintenance of Lime Bikes by rental companies.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Road safety is a top priority for this Government. That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety.

We will consult in depth before implementing licensing, with safety being a core consideration. Licence conditions could include reporting and maintenance requirements.

Ministers and officials engage regularly with shared cycle operators, local authorities, and other groups to understand the challenges and opportunities these schemes can present.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of safe evening transport for women in (a) rural areas and (b) Langley Vale.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

The Department for Transport is committed to making the transport network safer for everyone, including women and girls, whenever and wherever they are travelling. As part of the Government’s aims to reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) by half over the next decade, the Department has an ambitious, evidence-based programme of work to help tackle VAWG on transport. This includes measures in the Bus Services Act 2025 such as training on how to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and antisocial behaviour (ASB).

We know that women and girls are more likely than men to avoid travelling alone when it’s dark. The Department’s ‘Protected characteristics and public transport perceptions and safety’ research, published in 2023, also found that women were more concerned than men about the risk of violence regardless of the time of day. People living in rural areas were more likely to say they felt safe, albeit by a relatively small margin.

We are continuing to build our evidence base to better understand the prevalence of VAWG and ASB across the transport network so we can better target interventions. In the meantime, the Department will continue to work across government and with partners, including the British Transport Police (BTP), the transport industry and local authorities to ensure that everyone feels and is safe when travelling.

In relation to taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs), the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is seeking a power to set in regulations national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing. The power was approved by the House of Commons at Report Stage, and the Bill is now being considered by the House of Lords. If passed, this would enable government to set robust standards for licensing right across England, to keep women and girls and, indeed, all members of the public safe, wherever they live or travel.

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