“(1) In section 100G (principal councils to publish additional information) of LGA 1972, in subsection (5), omit “, in relation to a principal council in Wales,”.
(2) The Localism Act 2011 is amended as follows.
(3) In section 29 (register of interests), in subsection (8), for “section 32(2)” substitute “sections 32(2) and 32A”.
(4) In section 31 (pecuniary interests in matters considered at meetings or by a single member), in subsection (2), for “section 32(3)” substitute “sections 32(3) and 32A(9)”.
(5) After section 32 (sensitive interests) insert—
“32A Residential addresses
(1) This section applies where a member or co-opted member of a relevant authority notifies the authority’s monitoring officer of a disclosable pecuniary interest that includes their usual residential address.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) to (7), the relevant authority’s public register must not include that address.
(3) The member or co-opted member may request that their usual residential address be included in that public register.
(4) The member or co-opted member may withdraw a request made under subsection (3).
(5) A request under subsection (3) or a withdrawal of a request under subsection (4) must be made by written notice to the relevant authority’s monitoring officer.
(6) Where the member or co-opted member withdraws a request under subsection (4), the monitoring officer must remove the member or co-opted member’s usual residential address from the public register.
(7) Withdrawal of a request under subsection (4) does not affect the power of the member or co-opted member to make another request under subsection (3).
(8) Where a member or co-opted member’s usual residential address is excluded from a public register under this section, that public register must state that the member or co-opted member has an interest the address of which is withheld under this section.
(9) If section 31(2) applies in relation to the interest, that provision is to be read as requiring the member or co-opted member to disclose not the interest but merely the fact that the member or co-opted member has a disclosable pecuniary interest in the matter concerned.
(10) For the purposes of this section, a person has no more than one usual residential address.
(11) In this section “public register”, in relation to a relevant authority, means—
(a) a copy of its register that is made available for inspection, and
(b) any published version of its register.””— (Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would stop the automatic publication of local government members’ and co-opted members’ home addresses. Members’ home addresses would no longer appear in published registers of interests unless a member explicitly requests inclusion in writing.
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“Schedule (Extension of the general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority) amends the Localism Act 2011 to extend the general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would introduce the new Schedule in NS3 which would amend the Localism Act 2011 to confer the general power of competence on English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority. This new Clause is intended to form a new Chapter 4 of Part of the Bill.
“(1) A “national minimum standard” is a standard prescribed by the Secretary of State under any of sections (Standards relating to the grant of a regulated licence) to (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence).
(2) A licence is “regulated” if—
(a) the licence is—
(i) a taxi driver licence,
(ii) a taxi vehicle licence,
(iii) a PHV driver licence,
(iv) a PHV vehicle licence, or
a PHV operator licence, and
(b) the licensing authority is in England.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This amendment would define the terms “national minimum standards” and “regulated licence” used in new Sections NC50 to NC57. This new section and new Sections NC50 to NC57 are intended to form a new Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Bill.
“(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a regulated licence to be granted.
(2) For each national minimum standard prescribed under this section, the Secretary of State may, by regulations, provide for whether the licensing authority—
(a) is required to refuse to grant the licence, or
(b) has a power to refuse to grant the licence,
if the licensing authority is not satisfied that the standard is met.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) which relate to a standard may include provision—
(a) for the licensing authority—
(i) to be required to give an opportunity to remedy the failure to meet the standard, or
(ii) to have a power to give such an opportunity, and
(b) for the requirement or power to refuse the grant of the licence to cease to apply if the failure is remedied.
(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, provide for an existing power of refusal to be extended so that the existing power is used, or is treated as being used, to refuse the grant of a licence where the licensing authority is not satisfied that a national minimum standard is met.
(5) In this section “existing power of refusal” means a power to refuse to grant a licence (whenever conferred) which arises otherwise than under regulations under this section.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would enable the Secretary of State to prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a “regulated licence” to be granted.
“(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a regulated licence to continue in force.
(2) For each national minimum standard prescribed under this section, the Secretary of State may, by regulations—
(a) provide for when, or the circumstances in which, a licensing authority must determine whether the standard is met;
(b) provide for which permitted response or responses will be available if the licensing authority is not satisfied that the standard is met;
(c) provide, if both permitted responses are available, for the circumstances in which a particular permitted response is to be made;
(d) provide for whether the licensing authority—
(i) is required to make a permitted response, or
(ii) has a power to make a permitted response,
if the licensing authority is not satisfied that the standard is met;
(e) provide for when, or the circumstances in which, the suspension of a regulated licence is to end, including provision under which the licensing authority has a discretion.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) which relate to a standard may include provision—
(a) for the licensing authority—
(i) to be required to give an opportunity to remedy the failure to meet the standard, or
(ii) to have a power to give such an opportunity, and
(b) for the requirement or power to make a permitted response to cease to apply if the failure is remedied.
(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, provide for an existing power of suspension or revocation to be extended so that the existing power is used, or is treated as being used, to suspend or revoke a licence where the licensing authority is not satisfied that a national minimum standard is met.
(5) In this section—
“existing power of suspension or revocation” means a power to suspend or revoke a licence (whenever conferred) which arises otherwise than under regulations under this section;
“permitted response” means—
(a) suspending a regulated licence, or
(b) revoking a regulated licence;
and a reference to making a permitted response is to be read accordingly.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would enable the Secretary of State to prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a “regulated licence” to continue in force.
“(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a regulated licence to be renewed.
(2) For each national minimum standard prescribed under this section, the Secretary of State may, by regulations, provide for whether the licensing authority—
(a) is required to refuse to renew the licence, or
(b) has a power to refuse to renew the licence,
if the licensing authority is not satisfied that the standard is met.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) which relate to a standard may include provision—
(a) for the licensing authority—
(i) to be required to give an opportunity to remedy the failure to meet the standard, or
(ii) to have a power to give such an opportunity, and
(b) for the requirement or power to refuse the renewal of the licence to cease to apply if the failure is remedied.
(4) Regulations under this section may, in particular, provide for an existing power of refusal to be extended so that the existing power is used, or is treated as being used, to refuse the renewal of a licence where the licensing authority is not satisfied that a national minimum standard is met.
(5) In this section “existing power of refusal” means a power to refuse to renew a licence (whenever conferred) which arises otherwise than under regulations under this section.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would enable the Secretary of State to prescribe standards which are relevant to whether it is appropriate for a “regulated licence” to be renewed.
“(1) National minimum standards may relate to any of the following—
(a) persons applying for or holding regulated licences;
(b) other persons;
(c) vehicles;
(d) the types of services provided using taxis or private hire vehicles;
(e) premises;
(f) any other matters which appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate.
(2) National minimum standards may require action to be taken (for example undertaking training, or installing or using equipment, technology or services).
(3) National minimum standards prescribed under section (Standards relating to the suspension or revocation of a regulated licence) or (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence) may (in particular) relate to regulated licences granted before the regulations come into force.
(4) This section does not limit the kinds of national minimum standards that may be prescribed.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would make further provision about the sorts of standards that can be prescribed under new Sections NC50 to NC52.
“(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to licensing authorities in connection with the exercise of their functions in accordance with this Chapter.
(2) The Secretary of State may revise or revoke guidance issued under this section.
(3) The Secretary of State must arrange for guidance under this section, and any revision of it, to be published.
(4) A licensing authority must have regard to guidance issued under this section.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would enable the Secretary of State to issue guidance to licensing authorities in connection with the exercise of their functions in accordance with new Sections NC49 to NC57.
“(1) Sections (Standards relating to the grant of a regulated licence) to (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence) do not prevent the exercise of any other power or duty of a licensing authority to—
(a) grant,
(b) suspend,
(c) revoke, or
(d) renew,
a regulated licence in a way that is consistent with provision made by regulations under those sections (which includes refusing to grant, suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a licence when not required or authorised to do so by that provision).
(2) Before section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 insert—
“36A National minimum standards for licensing
The provisions of this Act relating to the licensing of hackney carriages are subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).”
(3) After section 45 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 insert—
“45A National minimum standards for licensing
This Part is subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).”
(4) After section 2 of the London Hackney Carriages Act 1843 insert—
“2A National minimum standards for licensing
This Act is subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).”
(5) After section 2 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 insert—
“2A National minimum standards for licensing
This Act is subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).”
(6) After section 1 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 insert—
“1A National minimum standards for licensing
This Act is subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).”
(7) After section 1 of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975 insert—
“1A National minimum standards for licensing
This Act is subject to sections (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”) to (Interpretation) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 (national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing).””—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would make provision about the relationship between new Sections NC49 to NC57 and existing legislation.
“(1) Before making regulations under sections (Standards relating to the grant of a regulated licence) to (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence), the Secretary of State must consult such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(2) Regulations under this Chapter may amend or repeal provision made by an Act of Parliament (whenever passed).
(3) The first regulations under sections (Standards relating to the grant of a regulated licence) to (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence) are subject to affirmative resolution procedure.
(4) Regulations under this Chapter which amend or repeal provision made by an Act of Parliament (whether or not they also contain other provision) are subject to affirmative resolution procedure.
(5) Any other regulations under this Chapter are subject to negative resolution procedure.”—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would make provision about regulations under new Sections NC49 to NC57.
“In this Chapter—
“licensing authority” , in relation to a regulated licence, means a public authority which has licensing functions under—
(a) sections 37 to 68 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847;
(b) the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869;
(c) the Plymouth City Council Act 1975;
(d) Part 2 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976;
(e) the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998;
“national minimum standards” has the meaning given in section (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”);
“PHV driver licence” is a licence under—
(a) section 51 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976,
(b) section 13 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, or
(c) section 9 of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975;
“PHV operator licence” is a licence under—
(a) section 55 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976,
(b) section 3 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, or
(c) section 13 of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975;
“PHV vehicle licence” is a licence under—
(a) section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976,
(b) section 7 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, or
(c) section 5 of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975;
“regulated licence” has the meaning given in section (“National minimum standard” and “regulated licence”);
“standard” includes—
(a) a requirement, and
(b) a condition;
“taxi driver licence” is a licence under—
(a) section 46 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, or
(b) section 8 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869;
“taxi vehicle licence” is a licence under—
(a) section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, or
(b) section 6 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869.”
This would define certain expressions used in new Sections NC49 to NC57.—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
“(1) The Secretary of State has a duty to ensure that relevant authorities are provided with the resources and support necessary in order to carry out any functions conferred on, or required of, them by virtue of this Act.
(2) Any resources and support provided by the Secretary of State must be sufficient to ensure that there is no delay to the holding of any future local elections resulting from the implementation of, or delay to the implementation of, this Act.”—(Zöe Franklin.)
This new clause would ensure local authorities are provided with the resources and support they need to deliver the content of this legislation with specific regard to preventing any further delays to future local elections.
“(1) The Secretary of State may not make any order or regulations to delay the ordinary elections of councillors of any specified authority if—
(a) the order or regulations result from any change to local government organisation under or by virtue of this Act,
(b) the effect of the order or regulations is to delay any such election by a period exceeding 53 weeks from the date on which it was originally scheduled to be held.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “any order or regulations” includes—
(a) an order under section 87 (Power to change years in which elections held) of the Local Government Act 2000;
(b) an order under sections 7 (Implementation of proposals by order), 10 (Implementation of recommendations by order of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007; or
(c) any other delegated power exercisable by order or by regulations in relation to the scheduling of ordinary elections of councillors.”—(David Simmonds.)
This new clause would prevent the Secretary of State from delaying by more than one year any local government election, if the delay results from local government reorganisation under this Act.
“(1) The Secretary of State must undertake a consultation on updating requirements about the publication of notices under the following sections of the Local Government Act 2000—
(a) subsection (2) of section 9KC (resolution of local authority), and
(b) subsection (7) of section 9MA (referendum: proposals by local authority).
(2) The consultation must consider the impact of requirements for the publication of notices, and of proposed changes to arrangements for the publication of notices, on the following matters—
(a) the economic viability of local newspapers,
(b) access to information for local authority residents, and
(c) local democracy and accountability.
(3) The consultation must be opened within six months of the passage of this Act.”—(David Simmonds.)
“(c) payment to the members of allowances, expenses, gratuities or pensions.”
This amendment and Amendment 120 would give the Secretary of State a broader power to make regulations about allowances and other sums payable to audit committee members, in place of the current power limited to combined authorities and combined county authorities.
“(7) Regulations under subsection (5)(c) may, in particular, make provision applying provision made, or corresponding to any provision that could be made, under section 18 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 or section 100 of the Local Government Act 2000.
(7A) Subsection (5)(c) does not affect the application of the enactments referred to in subsection (7), or provision made under them, in relation to members of an audit committee.
(7B) In the case of a relevant authority within subsection (2)(a), the powers of the authority in relation to its committees are to be taken to include (so far as they would otherwise not)—
(a) the powers necessary to give effect to regulations under subsection (5), and
(b) the power to appoint to its audit committee persons who are not members of the authority (even where not required by regulations under subsection (5)).”
See the explanatory statement for Amendment 119. This amendment would also clarify that audit committee regulations can make provision different from that applicable to other committees of a relevant authority, and that audit committees can always include independent members.
This amendment would make the Mayor of London alone responsible for appointing an audit committee for the Greater London Authority.
“(1A) Section (Charges payable by undertakers executing works in maintainable highways) (and Schedule (Charges payable by undertakers executing works in maintainable highways)) do not come into force in accordance with subsection (1)(c).”
This would exclude new Clause NC43 and new Schedule NS1 from the scope of clause 79(1)(c) (which provides for royal assent commencement for provisions which confer powers to make subordinate legislation. As a result the Clause and Schedule would come into force by commencement regulations, in accordance with clause 79(5).
“(1A) No provision of sections (“National minimum standards” and “regulated licences”) to (Interpretation) comes into force in accordance with subsection (1)(c).”.
This would exclude new Clauses NC49 to NC57 from the scope of clause 79(1)(c) (which provides for royal assent commencement for provisions which confer powers to make subordinate legislation. As a result, the Clauses would come into force by commencement regulations, in accordance with clause 79(5).
This would limit the royal assent commencement of section 20 and Schedule 4 to those provisions so far as they relate to mayoral combined authorities/CCAs. Those provisions would commence otherwise 2 months after royal assent (see Amendment 136).
“(z2) section (publication of addresses of members etc in authority registers).”.
This would provide for Amendment NC45 to come into force two months after Royal Assent.
“(z2) section (Extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority) (and Schedule (Extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority)) (extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority).”.
This would provide for Amendment NC46 and Amendment NS3 to come into force two months after Royal Assent.
“(ga) section 20 (and Schedule 4) (extension of general power of competence to strategic authorities), except so far as they relate to mayoral combined authorities and mayoral CCAs;”.
This would provide for section 20 and Schedule 4 to commence 2 months after royal assent so far as they do not relate to mayoral combined authorities/CCAs. Those provisions would commence on royal assent so far as they relate to such authorities (see Amendment 135).
“(oa) section (Licensing functions of the Mayor of London) (licensing functions of the Mayor of London);”.
This provides for new clause NC44 to come into force two months after Royal Assent.
“section 57 (and Schedule 25)”.—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would be consequential on Amendment 156.
“Introduction
1 The Localism Act 2011 is amended in accordance with this Schedule.
Amendment of section 1
2 In section 1 (local authority’s general power of competence), in subsection (1), after “CCA” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authority, and the Broads Authority,”.
Amendment of section 2
3 (1) Section 2 (boundaries of the general power) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (2B) (inserted by Schedule 4) insert—
“(2C) If exercise of a pre-commencement power of an English National Park authority, or of the Broads Authority, is subject to restrictions, those restrictions apply also to exercise of the general power so far as it is overlapped by the pre-commencement power.
(2D) The general power does not enable an English National Park authority, or the Broads Authority, to do—
(a) anything which the authority is unable to do by virtue of a pre-commencement limitation, or
(b) anything which the authority is unable to do by virtue of a post-commencement limitation which is expressed to apply—
(i) to the general power,
(ii) to all of the authority's powers, or
(iii) to all of the authority's powers but with exceptions that do not include the general power.”.
(3) After subsection (5) (inserted by Schedule 4) insert—
“(6) In this section, in relation to an English National Park authority or the Broads Authority—
“post-commencement limitation” means a prohibition, restriction or other limitation expressly imposed by a statutory provision that—
(a) is contained in an Act passed after the end of the Session in which the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 is passed, or
(b) is contained in an instrument made under an Act and comes into force on or after the commencement of section (Extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025;
“pre-commencement limitation” means a prohibition, restriction or other limitation expressly imposed by a statutory provision that—
(a) is contained in this Act, or in any other Act passed no later than the end of the Session in which the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 is passed, or
(b) is contained in an instrument made under an Act and comes into force before the commencement of section (Extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025;
“pre-commencement power” means power conferred by a statutory provision that—
(a) is contained in this Act, or in any other Act passed no later than the end of the Session in which the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 is passed, or
(b) is contained in an instrument made under an Act and comes into force before the commencement of section (Extension of general power of competence to English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority) of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025.”
Amendment of section 3
4 In section 3 (limits on charging in exercise of general power), in subsection (1)(a), after “CCA” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authority, or the Broads Authority,”.
Amendment of section 4
5 (1) Section 4 (limits on doing things for commercial purpose in exercise of general power) is amended in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) In subsections (1), (2) and (3), after “CCA” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authority, or the Broads Authority,”.
Amendment of section 5
6 (1) Section 5 (powers to make supplemental provision) is amended in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) In subsections (1), (3) and (4) after “CCAs” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authorities, or the Broads Authority,”.
(3) In subsections (5)(a) and (b) and (7)(a) after “CCAs” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authorities”.
(4) In subsection (5)(c), after “CCA” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert “, or English National Park authority”.
(5) After subsection (7) insert—
“(7A) Before making an order under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) in relation to the Broads Authority, the Secretary of State must consult the Authority if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate.”
Amendment of section 8
7 In section 8 (interpretation), after the definition of “combined authority” (inserted by Schedule 4) insert—
““English National Park authority” means a National Park authority for a National Park in England;”.”.—(Miatta Fahnbulleh.)
This would amend the Localism Act 2011 to confer the general power of competence on English National Park authorities and the Broads Authority.
(a) a local authority may operate a committee system only—
(i) if it is operating a committee system immediately before section 57 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 comes into force, and
(ii) for as long as the operation of a committee system is consistent with the provisions of section 9K; and
(b)”.
This would amend section 9B LGA 2000 to make clear that a committee system can only be operated by a local authority that is already operating that system and where the new section 9K (in Amendment 153) allows it to continue to operate it.
“(2) For section 9K (changing from one form of governance to another) substitute—
“9K Committee system: change to leader and cabinet executive (England)
Introduction
(1) This section sets out the circumstances in which a local authority that is operating a committee system must or may move to a leader and cabinet executive.
Committee system not protected
(2) If the local authority’s committee system is not protected, it must move to a leader and cabinet executive; and no resolution is needed and no referendum is to be held (despite any other provision of this Chapter which would otherwise require or authorise a resolution or referendum).
The local authority must comply with that duty so that it moves to a leader and cabinet executive before the end of the period of one year beginning with the commencement day.
Protected committee system
(3) If the local authority’s committee system is protected, it must undertake and publish a review of whether the local authority should move to a leader and cabinet executive.
(4) The review—
(a) must be undertaken and published before the end of the 1 year decision period;
(b) must have regard to the need to secure effective and convenient local government for the area of the local authority;
(c) if it concludes that the local authority should not move to a leader and cabinet executive, must include the reasons why the committee system is an appropriate form of governance for the local authority.
(5) After the review is published, the local authority must act in accordance with subsection (6), (7) or (8).
The local authority must have regard to the review when choosing how to act.
(6) The local authority may pass a resolution to continue to operate the committee system.
Any such resolution must be passed before the end of the 1 year decision period.
(7) The local authority may act in accordance with this Chapter to hold a referendum on moving to a leader and cabinet executive (and then, following the referendum, must act in accordance with this Chapter).
Any such action must be taken so that—
(a) the referendum is held before the end of the 1 year decision period, and
(b) if the result of the referendum approves the move, the local authority moves to a leader and cabinet executive before the end of the period of 1 year beginning with the day of the referendum.
(8) The local authority may act in accordance with this Chapter to move to a leader and cabinet executive without holding a referendum (despite any other provision of this Chapter which would otherwise require a referendum).
Any such action must be taken so that—
(a) the resolution to move to a leader and cabinet executive is passed before the end of the 1 year decision period, and
(b) the local authority moves to a leader and cabinet executive before the end of the period of one year beginning with the date of the resolution.
(9) If a local authority’s committee system is protected, a petition cannot require a local authority to hold a referendum in accordance with regulations under section 9MC until both—
(a) the relevant protection period has ended, and
(b) the local authority has—
(i) passed a resolution in accordance with subsection (6),
(ii) acted in accordance with subsection (7) by holding a referendum which does not approve the move to a leader and cabinet executive, or
(iii) acted in accordance with subsection (7) or (8) by completing the move to a leader and cabinet executive.
Subsequent move to leader and cabinet executive
(10) If the local authority’s committee system is protected, and it retains the committee system after acting in accordance with subsections (3) to (8), it may subsequently move to a leader and cabinet executive in accordance with this Chapter.
Local authority subject to dissolution
(11) This section—
(a) does not apply to a local authority if a dissolution order has been made in relation to the local authority before the commencement day;
(b) ceases to apply to a local authority if a dissolution order is made in relation to the local authority on or after the commencement day.
Accordingly the local authority is not to move to a leader and cabinet executive in accordance with any provision of this section after the commencement day or (as the case may be) on or after the day when the dissolution order is made.
Interpretation
(12) For the purposes of this section, a local authority’s committee system is “protected” if the committee system—
(a) became or remained the local authority’s governance arrangements following a referendum, and the 10 year referendum protection period has not ended on the commencement day, or
(b) became or remained the local authority’s governance arrangements by virtue of a resolution (but not following a referendum), and the 5 year resolution protection period has not ended on the commencement day.
(13) In this section—
“commencement day” means the day on which section 57 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2025 comes into force;
“dissolution order” means an order under section 7 or 10 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 providing for the dissolution of a local authority;
“move to a leader and cabinet executive” means—
(a) cease to operate the committee system, and
(b) start to operate a leader and cabinet executive (England);
and related expressions are to be construed accordingly;
“protected” has the meaning given in subsection (12);
“relevant protection period” , in relation to a local authority whose committee system is protected, means whichever of the—
(a) 5 year resolution protection period, and
(b) 10 year referendum protection period,
applies to the local authority;
“1 year decision period” means the period of one year beginning with the day immediately after the last day of the relevant protection period;
“5 year resolution protection period” , in relation to a resolution by virtue of which the committee system became or remained the local authority’s governance arrangements, means the period of 5 years beginning with the day on which the resolution was passed;
“10 year referendum protection period” , in relation to a referendum following which the committee system became or remained the local authority’s governance arrangements, means the period of 10 years beginning with the day on which the referendum was held.””.
This would enable a local authority to continue to operate the committee system if it has been adopted by resolution within the five years before commencement, or following a referendum within the 10 years before commencement.
“(2A) In section 9KC (resolution of local authority), after subsection (3) insert—
“(3A) Subsection (4) also applies if a local authority passes a resolution to continue to operate the committee system in accordance with section 9K(6); and, in such a case, “Resolution A” means the resolution to continue to operate the committee system.””.
This would ensure that a resolution under new section 9K(6) LGA 2000 (in Amendment 153) would trigger the application of section 9KC(4) LGA 2000.
This is consequential on Amendment 153.
Amendment 153 would enable certain local authorities to continue to operate the committee system and so paragraph 7 (which repeals legislation about the committee system) is no longer needed.
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