The Queen today set out the Government’s agenda for the next Parliamentary session. This briefing details the new Bills of relevance to local government and outlines our local government priorities.
Key messages:
- #CouncilsCan: By building new homes, creating jobs and school places, providing dignified care, and boosting economic growth, councils are a vital part of our democracy and the delivery of frontline services to communities. The LGA has been calling for a new devolution settlement for local areas and it is positive to see this Queen’s Speech make commitments on a variety of issues which are important to residents.
- Brexit: The UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) is an opportunity for the UK government, the LGA and councils to work together to ensure that through local government communities have a greater say over their futures, new opportunities are identified to grow local economies and the risks to local areas are managed carefully. As the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill passes through Parliament, we have produced a briefing to highlight the key opportunities and risks for communities and councils in advance of exit day on 31 January 2020.
- Devolution: Where EU laws are repatriated to the UK, it cannot mean leaving Brussels only to consolidate power in Whitehall, Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Stormont. Instead, the UK’s departure from the EU must lead to further powers for local communities through local government. It is essential that a bold English devolution settlement is delivered in this Parliament. It is therefore a positive step that the Government has committed to re-ignite the process of English devolution.
- Social care: The LGA has long-called for a cross-party consensus on securing a sustainable future for adult social care, and as a cross-party organisation, we are happy to host the talks proposed in the Queen’s Speech. We look forward to working with the Government to bring forward proposals at the earliest opportunity.