UK100's new comprehensive English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill briefing breaks down exactly what the Bill offers local leaders — highlighting the wins, the gaps, and what it means for your authority.
Devolution: A Missed Opportunity?
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
How the new Bill could unlock local climate action — but falls short of its potential
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill marks progress for local government — but it misses crucial opportunities to unlock the climate action our communities need. While the Bill includes environment and climate change as areas of competence, it lacks the powers, funding, and duties needed to deliver at pace and scale.
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What's Positive
Environment and climate change included as an area of competence for Strategic Authorities — a welcome recognition of local leadership.
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Major Gaps
No fiscal devolution, no climate duty, and no confirmation of roles in retrofit funding or Local Power Plans.
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Key Question
Will Strategic Authorities have the stable, flexible resources needed to use their new powers effectively?
Our Key Concerns
Missing Climate Powers
The Bill overlooks crucial climate functions: no role in Local Power Plans, no devolution of retrofit funding, and no leadership on Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
Funding Uncertainty
Without long-term integrated funding or consolidation of local growth funding, Strategic Authorities may lack the resources to deliver meaningful change.
Delivery Risks
The proposed approach risks creating unequal progress between regions and losing valuable climate expertise within district councils.
No Collaboration Duty
The absence of a clear duty for Strategic Authorities to collaborate across regions and sectors could fragment climate action.
Help Us Improve the Bill
UK100 is working with our members, parliamentarians, and the wider sector to strengthen this Bill and deliver the climate powers local leaders need. Together, we can unlock the potential of devolution to create thriving places powered by clean energy.
