Overview

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to annually submit a report to Parliament outlining plans for devolving powers, including financial ones, to various regions, cities, and local authorities in England. The report requires consultation with relevant bodies and authorities.

Description

The Devolution in England Bill necessitates the Secretary of State to produce an annual report to Parliament before November 1st of each year. This report must detail plans for devolving power to English regions, cities, and local authorities. This devolution includes fiscal powers (powers over financial matters). The Secretary of State is required to consult with various stakeholders during the report's preparation, specifically mentioning local authorities (as defined in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009), metropolitan combined authorities, and their representative bodies. The Act extends to England and Wales and comes into force upon its passage.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly allocate funds. The cost will depend on the resources required by the Secretary of State's office to prepare the annual reports and conduct the necessary consultations. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Secretary of State: Responsible for creating and submitting the annual reports, incurring administrative costs.
• Local Authorities: Will be consulted and potentially gain increased powers and responsibilities.
• Metropolitan Combined Authorities: Similar to local authorities, they will be consulted and may see increased devolution of powers.
• Regions and Cities of England: Stand to potentially gain more autonomy and control over their own affairs depending on the plans outlined in the annual reports.
• Parliament: Receives the annual reports, enabling scrutiny of the government's devolution plans.

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