Latest parliamentary news on localism
21 April 2011 (updated on 21 April 2011)
Government proposals to devolve greater powers to local councils have been considered on several occasions in Parliament recently
Find the latest information on the Localism Bill and other parliamentary material.
Localism Bill
The Government's Localism Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 13 December 2010. The Bill proposes to devolve greater powers to councils and neighbourhoods and give local communities more control over housing and planning decisions.
The Bill had its second reading on 17 January and was then considered by a Public Bill Committee. The Bill will be considered at report stage in the House of Commons, date to be announced.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documents on the Localism Bill. Also find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
House of Commons Library Analysis
The House of Commons Library regularly produce briefing papers which inform MPs about key issues. The Library has produced several briefing papers on the Localism Bill.
- Commons Library briefing paper: Localism Bill: Committee Stage Report
- Commons Library briefing paper: Localism Bill: Planning and Housing
- Commons Library Research Paper: Localism Bill – local government and community empowerment
Debates on localism in the House of Commons and the House of Lords
In recent months, localism, community cohesion and Government proposals for the Big Society have been debated in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- Lords news: Lords discuss charities' role in strengthening society (6 October 2010)
- Commons news: Westminster Hall debate on youth services (24 November 2010)
- Commons news: MPs debate community cohesion (27 January 2011)
- Commons news: Backbench Business Debate on the Big Society (28 February 2011)
Communities and Local Government Committee
The Committee published a report on the intended abolition of regional spatial planning strategies on 17 March 2011.
The committee is also conducting an inquiry into the Government’s plans for localism and decentralisation of public services.
Public Accounts Committee
The Committee published a report on accountability for public money in the light of issues including localism proposals.
Early Day Motions
Early day motions (EDMs) are tabled by MPs to publicise a particular event or cause, and to gather support among MPs for that event or cause. MPs demonstrate their support for an EDM by signing the motion. Browse the latest EDMs on local government.