Overview

This bill allows English local authorities to include religious or belief-related observances in their meetings and to support or participate in related events. It extends these permissions to various other local government bodies across England and Wales.

Description

The Local Government (Religious etc. Observances) Bill amends the Local Government Act 1972 to grant powers to local authorities in England.

Meeting Observances

The bill permits the inclusion of prayers, religious observances, or observances connected to religious or philosophical beliefs in meetings of local authorities, their committees, and subcommittees.

Event Involvement

Local authorities are permitted to support, facilitate, or be represented at religious events, events with religious elements, or events connected to a religious or philosophical belief.

Extended Powers

The bill extends these powers to a wide range of other bodies, including the London Assembly, the Greater London Authority, and various other local governance organizations. Specific limitations apply to certain bodies depending on the type of event or meeting being considered.

Funding

The bill allows some bodies, such as the Common Council, to use their funds to support events covered by the bill.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The financial impact depends on individual local authorities and their decisions regarding participation in events or observances. There is no direct budgetary allocation within the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect various groups, including:

• Local Authorities in England: They gain the power to incorporate religious or belief-related elements into their proceedings and support related events.
• Members of the Public: Those with religious or philosophical beliefs may find their observances better accommodated at local authority meetings and those who attend related events may find increased local support for such events.
• Other Government Bodies: A wide array of governmental bodies in England and Wales have their abilities to participate in religious or belief-related events or observances expanded through the bill.

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