The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced on 29 April 2026 that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act has received Royal Assent, introducing expanded powers for mayors and local authorities across England.
The legislation applies across England and follows the government’s earlier devolution policy framework, setting out a broader transfer of powers from central government to regional authorities. It establishes a legal basis for expanded local decision-making in areas including transport, planning, and economic development.
The Act also introduces measures affecting high streets, housing, and local governance structures, alongside new oversight mechanisms. It aims to formalise the role of mayoral authorities and create consistent standards across local government functions.
Royal Assent confirms new devolution framework
The Act establishes a new devolution framework into law, enabling a faster transfer of powers from Whitehall to local and regional authorities. It builds on previous policy commitments to expand the responsibilities of elected mayors and local governance bodies.
The legislation introduces “Strategic Authorities” as a new structure to coordinate devolved powers, particularly in regions with elected mayors. These authorities will oversee key areas such as transport, housing, and economic regeneration.
Core Legislative Milestones
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Assent | Granted 29 April 2026 | Confirms the Act has become law following parliamentary approval |
| Strategic Authorities | Introduced | Creates new regional governance structures for devolved powers |
| Mayoral Powers | Expanded | Includes planning, transport, and economic development responsibilities |
New rights and protections for communities
The Act introduces a Community Right to Buy, giving local residents priority when valued community assets such as shops and centres are put up for sale. This measure is designed to support community-led ownership and local decision-making.
It also includes provisions for Gambling Impact Assessments, enabling councils to limit the number of gambling premises on high streets. These powers allow local authorities to consider broader social and economic factors when approving new applications.
- Community Right to Buy: Local people gain first refusal on community assets offered for sale
- Gambling Controls: Councils can assess and restrict new gambling shop developments
Reforms to commercial leasing and local economies
The legislation bans upwards-only rent review clauses in new and renewed commercial leases, removing a mechanism that prevented rents from decreasing in line with market conditions. This change is expected to affect businesses operating on high streets and in commercial premises.
By aligning lease agreements more closely with market rates, the reform introduces greater flexibility for tenants. It also seeks to support business sustainability in varying economic conditions.
Commercial Leasing Changes
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Review Clauses | Banned | Upwards-only provisions removed from new and renewed leases |
| Market Alignment | Improved | Allows rents to reflect current economic conditions |
| Business Impact | Stabilisation focus | Aims to support tenant viability in commercial sectors |
Expanded transport and enforcement powers
The legislation also introduces new national standards for taxi drivers, allowing enforcement officers to suspend licences issued by other local authorities if drivers operate outside their permitted areas. This measure establishes a more consistent regulatory framework.
Additional powers are granted to local transport authorities to enforce against dangerous pavement parking through fixed penalty notices. The legislation also introduces new licensing requirements for rental e-bikes, covering safety, accessibility, and parking standards.
- Taxi Standards: National rules enable cross-authority enforcement actions
- E-bike Licensing: Local authorities set conditions for safety and parking compliance
Strategic Authorities and mayoral powers
Strategic Authorities are established to streamline the process of devolving powers to regional areas, particularly those with elected mayors. These bodies will have responsibilities across transport, planning, housing, and economic regeneration.
Mayors are also granted new planning powers, including the ability to intervene in applications of strategic importance and introduce mayoral development orders. These changes expand the role of regional leadership in shaping local growth.
Oversight, planning, and financial accountability measures
The Act establishes Local Scrutiny Committees to oversee decision-making and public spending within mayoral authorities. These committees provide an additional layer of governance and transparency.
It also creates a Local Audit Office to improve the efficiency and consistency of council financial auditing. Strategic Authorities are required to produce local growth plans and consider health improvement and inequalities in their policy decisions.
Ministerial Comments
Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution said;
“The Act marks a significant step in transferring powers from Whitehall to local communities, ensuring decisions are made closer to the people they affect.”
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act establishes a new legal framework for transferring powers to local authorities and mayors across England. It introduces reforms affecting communities, businesses, and transport systems, alongside new governance and oversight mechanisms. The legislation formalises the role of Strategic Authorities and expands local decision-making responsibilities in key policy areas.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
