This note provides an introduction to overview and scrutiny committees in local authorities, their development and the relevant legislative provisions. It also notes specific powers available to local councils to scrutinise other bodies. The note principally covers England, with some reference to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This note provides an introduction to overview and scrutiny committees in local authorities, their development and the relevant legislative provisions. It also notes specific powers available to local councils to scrutinise other bodies. The note principally covers England, with some reference to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A briefing paper on directly-elected mayors in English local authorities, including a list of current mayors and past referendums.

A briefing paper on directly-elected mayors in English local authorities, including a list of current mayors and past referendums.

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance has been given to local authorities on the operation of (a) executive and (b) scrutiny arrangements under the Local Government Act 2000, other than the statutory guidance issued in April 2024.

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance has been given to local authorities on the operation of (a) executive and (b) scrutiny arrangements under the Local Government Act 2000, other than the statutory guidance issued in April 2024.

Postponement and reinstatement of elections in some local councils for May 2026

Postponement and reinstatement of elections in some local councils for May 2026

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost to local authorities of complying with section 9KC, section 9MA and section 9MF of the Local Government Act 2000 in (1) 2022–23, (2) 2023–24, and (3) 2024–25.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost to local authorities of complying with section 9KC, section 9MA and section 9MF of the Local Government Act 2000 in (1) 2022–23, (2) 2023–24, and (3) 2024–25.

Further consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee: second day. Government new clause 45, discussed with Government new clauses 46, 49 to 57, new clauses 1, 6, 10 to 13, 16-20, 26, 27, 34, 35, 38, 42, 47, 59, 63, 67 to 69, 73, 75, 79 to 87, Government and other amendments, and Government new schedule 3. Government new clauses 45, 46, 49 to 57 agreed to. New clause 17 negatived on division (87 votes to 321). New clause 69 negatived on division (189 votes to 320). New clause 80 negatived on division (187 votes to 320). Government amendments to clause 66, 79, schedule 25, agreed to. Government new schedule agreed to. King's consent signified. Third reading agreed to on division (322 votes to 179). Bill passed.

Further consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee: second day. Government new clause 45, discussed with Government new clauses 46, 49 to 57, new clauses 1, 6, 10 to 13, 16-20, 26, 27, 34, 35, 38, 42, 47, 59, 63, 67 to 69, 73, 75, 79 to...

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

It is my pleasure to open the debate on day two of Report on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Today we are concerned with parts 3, 4 and 5 of the Bill, which cover provisions relating to local government, community right to buy, local audit and the ending...

It is my pleasure to open the debate on day two of Report on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Today we are concerned with parts 3, 4 and 5 of the Bill, which cover provisions relating to local government, community right to buy, local audit and the ending...

I am interested in this proposal, but I wonder whether it will be applicable to council areas that do not yet have a mayor and may not have a mayor for some time. Will they still have the power to impose an overnight visitor levy?

I am interested in this proposal, but I wonder whether it will be applicable to council areas that do not yet have a mayor and may not have a mayor for some time. Will they still have the power to impose an overnight visitor levy?

We will consult on whether that power should be extended to foundational strategic authorities that do not have a mayor, and we will see the responses to that consultation.

I said yesterday that the Bill is the floor, not the ceiling, of this Government’s ambition. Today’s announcement shows just how seriously...

We will consult on whether that power should be extended to foundational strategic authorities that do not have a mayor, and we will see the responses to that consultation.

I said yesterday that the Bill is the floor, not the ceiling, of this Government’s ambition. Today’s announcement shows just how seriously...

In addition to that very welcome general power of competence for the national park authorities, will the Minister consider tabling amendments to ensure that the new unitary authorities surrounding those park authorities do not dominate the membership of the board with a majority?

In addition to that very welcome general power of competence for the national park authorities, will the Minister consider tabling amendments to ensure that the new unitary authorities surrounding those park authorities do not dominate the membership of the board with a majority?

I thank the hon. Member for raising that point and for advocating for our national park authorities. We are clear that, as we go through the process of reforming local government, we want strong and effective collaboration between all the institutions that need to drive services for local people. We...

I thank the hon. Member for raising that point and for advocating for our national park authorities. We are clear that, as we go through the process of reforming local government, we want strong and effective collaboration between all the institutions that need to drive services for local people. We...

My constituency covers two local authorities: the Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. For a number of years, they have both operated a committee system that works extremely well; it is well accepted by the local community and both local authorities function...

My constituency covers two local authorities: the Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. For a number of years, they have both operated a committee system that works extremely well; it is well accepted by the local community and both local authorities function...

We are clear that our strong preference remains for executive models of government, because we believe that that model provides clearer and more easily understood governance structures, and leads to more efficient decision making. However, we recognise the genuine concerns held in particular constituencies where committee systems have been adopted...

We are clear that our strong preference remains for executive models of government, because we believe that that model provides clearer and more easily understood governance structures, and leads to more efficient decision making. However, we recognise the genuine concerns held in particular constituencies where committee systems have been adopted...

On that point, will the Minister give way?

On that point, will the Minister give way?

I will make some progress.

Finally, we have built on the amendments made in Committee to the local audit provisions. Our further amendments contain technical provisions that broaden the existing regulation-making powers relating to the payment of allowances to audit committee members to include expenses, gratuities or pensions to members of...

I will make some progress.

Finally, we have built on the amendments made in Committee to the local audit provisions. Our further amendments contain technical provisions that broaden the existing regulation-making powers relating to the payment of allowances to audit committee members to include expenses, gratuities or pensions to members of...

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I seek your guidance? I know that this issue has been exercising Mr Speaker. Yesterday, at topical questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in response to a question asked by the hon. Member for South Shields (Emma...

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I seek your guidance? I know that this issue has been exercising Mr Speaker. Yesterday, at topical questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in response to a question asked by the hon. Member for South Shields (Emma...

Today I will continue to highlight our concerns on the Liberal Democrat Benches. The Labour Government spend a great deal of time telling the country that they are putting power back into the hands of communities and say they are on the side of local leaders and delivering locally led...

Today I will continue to highlight our concerns on the Liberal Democrat Benches. The Labour Government spend a great deal of time telling the country that they are putting power back into the hands of communities and say they are on the side of local leaders and delivering locally led...