Overview

This bill aims to allow local authorities in England and Wales to include religious or belief-related observances in their meetings and to support or participate in relevant events. It extends these powers to a wide range of other local bodies.

Description

Council Meetings

The bill amends the Local Government Act 1972 to permit local authorities in England to allocate time at meetings for prayers, other religious observances, or observances connected with religious or philosophical beliefs. This applies to main council meetings, committees, and sub-committees.

Local Authority Involvement in Events

The bill grants local authorities the power to support, facilitate, or be represented at events that are religious, have a religious element, or are connected to a religious or philosophical belief.

Extension to Other Authorities

The bill significantly broadens the scope of these powers, extending them to a wide range of other authorities in England and Wales, including the London Assembly, Greater London Authority, and various joint boards and committees. Specific limitations apply to the extent of powers granted to each authority. For instance, some authorities may only have the power to support events, while others may include religious observances in meetings as well.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any additional government spending. The financial implications for local authorities would depend on their individual choices regarding participation in events and inclusion of observances in their meetings.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Local Authorities: Will have the discretion to incorporate religious or belief-related observances into meetings and support related events.
• Religious Groups: May benefit from increased local authority support for their events and activities.
• Secular Groups: May have concerns about the potential impact on the secular nature of local government.
• Members of the Public: May observe changes in local authority meetings and potentially see increased local authority involvement in community events of a religious or belief-related nature.

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