Overview

This bill amends existing legislation to enhance devolution of powers to combined authorities and mayors in England, creating a framework for greater local control over various functions, particularly concerning transport and potentially health services, while ensuring accountability and maintaining national standards. The amendments also establish Sub-National Transport Bodies (STBs) for more efficient regional transport planning and management.

Description

The bill makes numerous amendments to several Acts, primarily impacting the devolution of powers to combined authorities and mayors. Key aspects include:

Devolution of Powers:

The bill clarifies the devolution of ministerial functions to mayors, specifying which functions are devolved and how information about devolved functions is managed. It establishes processes for authorizing the mayor, deputy mayor, or committees to exercise functions, including provisions for political balance on committees. It also outlines joint exercise of functions between the mayor and other authorities, allowing for flexibility and collaboration. Consent requirements from constituent councils are included in many aspects of the devolution, allowing for local input, though some exceptions exist, primarily for revoking health service functions.

Sub-National Transport Bodies (STBs):

The bill introduces STBs to manage and coordinate transport strategies across wider areas. This involves the establishment of STBs through regulations, with input and consent from relevant authorities. The bill specifies the functions of STBs, including the creation of transport strategies, provision of advice to the Secretary of State, and coordination of transport functions across different authorities. The bill also details the funding mechanism for STBs and grants to cover expenditure.

Amendments to other Acts:

The bill amends several other Acts, including the National Health Service Act 2006, to make provisions for the transfer of functions related to the health service to combined authorities. The amendments specify which health service functions cannot be transferred and requires that when transferred functions concerning the health service are transferred, provisions are made about the standards and duties to be placed on the body assuming the functions. These amendments also address accountability and information control aspects, while limiting transfer of core Secretary of State duties. It also makes amendments to other Acts concerning local government and housing, including their financing and administrative structures. The amendments also clarify and expand the general powers of English National Park Authorities.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly specified in the provided text. However, the creation of STBs and the potential transfer of functions to local authorities could lead to both increases (through funding of STBs) and decreases (through reduced central government expenditure on certain functions). Precise figures are not available from the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Mayors and Combined Authorities: Increased powers and responsibilities, potentially leading to greater local autonomy.
• Constituent Councils: Involvement in decision-making processes through consent requirements; potential loss of certain functions depending on agreements.
• Local Government Bodies: Changes to administrative and financial structures, potentially leading to shifts in responsibilities and resources.
• National Health Service (NHS): Potential transfer of some functions to local authorities, subject to specific conditions and limitations.
• Transport Providers and Operators: Potential changes in coordination and oversight of transport functions.
• English National Park Authorities: Expanded general powers, potentially leading to greater flexibility in their operations.
• Public and Citizens: May experience changes in the delivery of local services, with the potential for both benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific implementation of the devolved powers.

Powered by nyModel