Overview

This bill amends the Local Government Act 1974 to improve the process for reviewing local authority decisions affecting events due to health and safety concerns. It mandates quicker notification of decisions, introduces a mandatory review process, and allows for more flexible investigation procedures by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Description

The bill introduces a new Part 2A into the Local Government Act 1974, focusing on decisions impacting events. This part requires local authorities to:

• Provide written notification of any decision affecting an event (stopping it, restricting it, or adding conditions) within one working day, giving reasons.
• Conduct a review of the decision within 15 days if requested by an event organiser.
• The review must confirm, withdraw, replace, or vary the original decision.
• Maintain existing rights of appeal for event organisers.

Further, the bill modifies the Local Government Ombudsman's investigation procedures, allowing for more flexible and potentially faster processes for different cases.

Government Spending

The bill states that any increase in government spending resulting from its implementation will be covered by Parliament.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Local Authorities in England and Wales: These authorities must now follow the new procedures for decision-making and review regarding events.
• Event Organisers: They gain a right to quicker notification of decisions and a mandatory review process if a decision impacts their event.
• The Local Government Ombudsman: The Ombudsman's procedures are updated to allow greater flexibility.

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