Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill received royal assent on 28 January. The power to make statutory instruments for the purposes of the Act came into effect immediately. The Secretary of State may also make regulations (by statutory instrument) containing saving, transitory or transitional provisions in connection with the coming into force of any provision of the Act. Subject to this, the other provisions of the Act come into force at the end of the period of two months (i.e. on 28 March).

The Act is concerned mainly with revised local government structures, leading (the government hopes) to more elected mayors, as well as some combined authorities (primarily in city regions), and does not contain any specific provisions relating to town and country planning as such, and does not amend existing planning legislation. Its practical effect on the exercise of planning powers will therefore be confined to the practical consequences of any restructuring of local government under the terms of the Act in the areas affected.

Section 23 gives revised powers to National Park Authorities.

© MARTIN H GOODALL