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English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

In July 2025, the Government presented their English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to Parliament. It received Royal Assent and was made an Act of Parliament on 29 April 2026, with the inclusion of an RTPI amendment adding "rural affairs" along with coastal communities as an area of competence within the Act. The English Devolution Act aims to standardise the structures of English devolution, with the intention of creating a new tier of “strategic authorities” covering the whole of England. The legislation contains a number of powers that will have an impact on the exercising of planning functions. Throughout the passage of this legislation, the RTPI produced resources for parliamentarians and their offices including briefings ahead of debates and commentary through blogs and news pieces.

Amendment briefings
Encouraging commissioners to work collaboratively

Amendment briefing
Linking effective neighbourhood governance with plan-making

Amendment briefing
Evidencing mayoral collaboration

Amendment briefing
Enabling a rural affairs commissioner role and a duty to have regard to the needs of rural communities

Amendment briefing
Chief Planner

Amendment briefing
Debate briefings
Westminster Houses of Parliament along the river Thames
Consideration of House of Lords amendments
Report stage briefing (House of Lords)

Committee stage briefing (House of Lords)
Second reading briefing (House of Lords)
Second reading briefing (House of Commons)