NALC Westminster Forum backs key amendments to the Devolution Bill

Ahead of the Report Stage of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, peers expressed strong support for key amendments affecting local governance at our Westminster Forum on 11 March 2026.

The forum reflected on the wide range of issues raised and debated during the Committee Stages, agreeing to focus on a smaller set of priorities as the bill heads towards its final stages.

These amendments include requiring a community governance review in each new unitary authority area, with the expectation that new parish councils would be created where appropriate. They also aim to clarify the role of Neighbourhood Area Committees, including ensuring their members are elected and include representation from parish and town councils. Another proposal would extend the General Power of Competence to all parish and town councils.

The forum also agreed to continue pressing the government to introduce legislation to reform the local government standards regime and allow parish and town councils to hold remote meetings. Looking ahead, the forum discussed other issues likely to arise in the coming months, including the King's Speech.

The forum also considered proposals in the Representation of the People Bill, which would extend voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds, improve voter registration, and strengthen transparency and enforcement around political donations and electoral rules.