Legislation – Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023

New Search

Introduction

Part 1
Levelling-up missions

1 Statement of levelling-up missions

2 Statement of levelling-up missions: devolution

3 Annual etc reports on delivery of levelling-up missions

4 Reports: Parliamentary scrutiny and publication

5 Changes to mission progress methodology and metrics or target dates

6 Reviews of statements of levelling-up missions

7 Levelling Up Fund Round 3

8 Interpretation of Part 1

Part 2
Local democracy and devolution

Chapter 1 Combined county authorities

CCAs and their areas

9 Combined county authorities and their areas

Constitution of CCAs

10 Constitutional arrangements

11 Non-constituent members of a CCA

12 Associate members of a CCA

13 Regulations about members

14 Review of CCA’s constitutional arrangements

15 Overview and scrutiny committees

16 Funding

17 Change of name

Functions of CCAs

18 Local authority functions

19 Other public authority functions

20 Section 19 regulations: procedure

21 Integrated Transport Authority and Passenger Transport Executive

22 Directions relating to highways and traffic functions

23 Contravention of regulations under section 22

24 Designation of key route network roads

Changes to CCAs

25 Changes to boundaries of a CCA’s area

26 Dissolution of a CCA’s area

Mayors for CCA areas

27 Power to provide for election of mayor

28 Requirements in connection with regulations under section 27

29 Deputy mayors etc

30 Functions of mayors: general

31 Procedure for direct conferral of general functions on mayor

32 Joint exercise of general functions

Police and crime and fire and rescue functions

33 Functions of mayors: policing

34 Exercise of fire and rescue functions

35 Section 34 regulations: procedure

36 Section 34 regulations: further provision

37 Section 34 regulations: exercise of fire and rescue functions

38 Section 34 regulations: complaints and conduct matters etc

39 Section 34 regulations: application of fire and rescue provisions

40 Section 34 regulations: application of local policing provisions

Financial matters relating to mayors

41 Mayors for CCA areas: financial matters

Alternative mayoral titles

42 Alternative mayoral titles

43 Alternative mayoral titles: further changes

44 Power to amend list of alternative titles

Requirements in connection with regulations about CCAs

45 Proposal for new CCA

46 Requirements in connection with establishment of CCA

47 Proposal for changes to existing arrangements relating to CCA

48 Requirements for changes to existing arrangements relating to CCA

General powers of CCAs

49 General power of CCA

50 Boundaries of power under section 49

51 Power to make provision supplemental to section 49

52 General power of competence

Supplementary

53 Incidental etc provision

54 Transfer of property, rights and liabilities

55 Guidance

56 Consequential amendments

57 Interpretation of Chapter

Chapter 2 Other provision

Combined authorities

58 Review of combined authority’s constitutional arrangements

59 Consent to changes to combined authority’s area

60 Changes to mayoral combined authority’s area: additional requirements

61 Consent to conferral of general functions on mayor

62 Consent to conferral of police and crime commissioner functions on mayor

63 Functions in respect of key route network roads

64 Membership of combined authority

65 Proposal for establishment of combined authority

66 Proposal for changes to existing combined arrangements

67 Consequential amendments relating to section 65 and 66

68 Regulations applying to combined authorities

69 Combined authorities and combined county authorities: power to borrow

70 Payment of allowances to committee members

Local authority governance

71 Timing for changes in governance arrangements

72 Transfer of functions: changes in governance arrangements

73 Power to transfer etc public authority functions to certain local authorities

Police and crime commissioners and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

74 Participation of police and crime commissioners at certain local authority committees

75 Disposal of land

Alternative mayoral titles

76 Combined authorities: alternative mayoral titles

77 Local authorities in England: alternative mayoral titles

Local government capital finance

78 Capital finance risk management

Council tax

79 Long-term empty dwellings: England

80 Dwellings occupied periodically: England

Street names

81 Alteration of street names: England

Other provision

82 Powers of parish councils

83 The Common Council of the City of London: removal of voting restrictions

Part 3
Planning

Chapter 1 Planning data

84 Power in relation to the processing of planning data

85 Power in relation to the provision of planning data

86 Power to require certain planning data to be made publicly available

87 Power to require use of approved planning data software in England

88 Disclosure of planning data does not infringe copyright in certain cases

89 Requirements to consult devolved administrations

90 Planning data regulations made by devolved authorities

91 Interpretation of Chapter

Chapter 2 Development plans etc

Development plans and national policy

92 Development plans: content

93 Role of development plan and national policy in England

94 National development management policies: meaning

Spatial development strategy for London

95 Contents of the spatial development strategy

96 Adjustment of terminology

Local planning

97 Plan making

Neighbourhood planning

98 Contents of a neighbourhood development plan

99 Neighbourhood development plans and orders: basic conditions

Requirement to assist with plan making

100 Requirement to assist with certain plan making

Minor and consequential amendments

101 Minor and consequential amendments in connection with Chapter 2

Chapter 3 Heritage

102 Regard to certain heritage assets in exercise of planning functions

103 Temporary stop notices in relation to listed buildings

104 Urgent works to listed buildings: occupied buildings and recovery of costs

105 Removal of compensation for building preservation notice

Chapter 4 Grant and implementation of planning permission

106 Street votes

107 Street votes: community infrastructure levy

108 Street votes: modifications of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017

109 Crown development

110 Material variations in planning permission

111 Development commencement notices

112 Completion notices

113 Power to decline to determine applications in cases of earlier non-implementation etc

114 Condition relating to development progress reports

Chapter 5 Enforcement of planning controls

115 Time limits for enforcement

116 Duration of temporary stop notices

117 Enforcement warning notices

118 Restriction on appeals against enforcement notices

119 Undue delays in appeals

120 Penalties for non-compliance

121 Power to provide relief from enforcement of planning conditions

Chapter 6 Other provision

122 Consultation before applying for planning permission

123 Duty in relation to self-build and custom housebuilding

124 Powers as to form and content of planning applications

125 Additional powers in relation to planning obligations

126 Fees for certain services in relation to nationally significant infrastructure projects

127 Power to shorten deadline for examination of development consent order applications

128 Additional powers in relation to non-material changes to development consent orders

129 Hazardous substances consent: connected applications to the Secretary of State

130 Regulations and orders under the Planning Acts

131 Power for appointees to vary determinations as to procedure

132 Pre-consolidation amendment of planning, development and compulsory purchase legislation

133 Participation in certain proceedings conducted by, or on behalf of, the Secretary of State

134 Power of certain bodies to charge fees for advice in relation to applications under the Planning Acts

135 Biodiversity net gain: pre-development biodiversity value and habitat enhancement

136 Development affecting ancient woodland

Part 4
Infrastructure Levy and Community Infrastructure Levy

137 Infrastructure Levy: England

138 Power to designate Homes and Communities Agency as a charging authority

139 Restriction of Community Infrastructure Levy to Greater London and Wales

140 Enforcement of Community Infrastructure Levy

Part 5
Community land auction pilots

141 Community land auction arrangements and their purpose

142 Power to permit community land auction arrangements

143 Application of CLA receipts

144 Duty to pass CLA receipts to other persons

145 Use of CLA receipts in an area to which section 144(1) duty does not relate

146 CLA infrastructure delivery strategy

147 Power to provide for authorities making joint local plans

148 Parliamentary scrutiny of pilot

149 CLA regulations: further provision and guidance

150 Expiry of Part 5

151 Interpretation of Part 5

Part 6
Environmental outcomes reports

152 Power to specify environmental outcomes

153 Environmental outcomes reports for relevant consents and relevant plans

154 Power to define “relevant consent” and “relevant plan” etc

155 Assessing and monitoring impact on outcomes etc

156 Safeguards: non-regression, international obligations and public engagement

157 Requirements to consult devolved administrations

158 EOR regulations: devolved authorities

159 Exemptions for national defence and civil emergency etc

160 Enforcement

161 Reporting

162 Public consultation etc

163 Guidance

164 Interaction with existing environmental assessment legislation and the Habitats Regulations

165 Consequential repeal of power to make provision for environmental assessment

166 EOR regulations: further provision

167 Interpretation of Part 6

Part 7
Nutrient pollution standards

168 Nutrient pollution standards to apply to certain sewage disposal works

169 Planning: assessments of effects on certain sites

170 Remediation

Part 8
Development corporations

171 Locally-led urban development corporations

172 Development corporations for locally-led new towns

173 Minor and consequential amendments

174 Planning functions of urban development corporations

175 Planning functions of new town development corporations

176 Mayoral development corporation as minerals and waste planning authority

177 Minor and consequential amendments

178 Removal of restrictions on membership of urban development corporations and new town development corporations

179 Removal of limits on borrowing of urban development corporations and new town development corporations

Part 9
Compulsory purchase

180 Acquisition by local authorities for purposes of regeneration

181 Online publicity

182 Confirmation proceedings

183 Conditional confirmation

184 Corresponding provision for purchases by Ministers

185 Time limits for implementation

186 Agreement to vary vesting date

187 Common standards for compulsory purchase data

188 ‘No-scheme’ principle: minor amendments

189 Prospects of planning permission for alternative development

190 Power to require prospects of planning permission to be ignored

Part 10
Letting by local authorities of vacant high-street premises

191 Designated high streets and town centres

192 High-street uses and premises

193 Vacancy condition

194 Local benefit condition

195 Initial notice

196 Restriction on letting while initial notice in force

197 Circumstances in which letting to be permitted

198 Final notice

199 Restriction on letting while final notice in force

200 Restriction on works while final notice in force

201 Counter-notice

202 Appeals

203 Rental auctions

204 Power to contract for tenancy

205 Terms of contract for tenancy

206 Terms of tenancy

207 Power to grant tenancy in default

208 Deemed consent of superior lessor or mortgagee

209 Exclusion of security of tenure

210 Power to require provision of information

211 Power to enter and survey land

212 Offences in connection with section 211

213 Power to extend time limits

214 Further provision about letting notices

215 Other formalities

216 Compensation

217 Power to modify or disapply enactments applicable to letting

218 Interpretation of Part 10

Part 11
Information about interests and dealings in land

219 Power to require provision of certain classes of information

220 The beneficial ownership purpose

221 The contractual control purpose

222 The national security purpose

223 Requirements may include transactional information

224 Use of information

225 Offences

226 Enforcement of requirements

227 Interpretation of Part 11

Part 12
Miscellaneous

228 Registration of short-term rental properties

229 Pavement licences

230 Historic environment records

231 Review of governance etc of RICS

232 Marine licensing

233 Power to replace Health and Safety Executive as building safety regulator

234 Transfer schemes in connection with regulations under section 233

235 Transfer of land by local authorities

236 Open access mapping

237 Childcare: use of non-domestic premises

238 Childcare: number of providers

239 Amendments of Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006

240 Blue plaques in England

241 Powers of local authority in relation to the provision of childcare

242 Report on enforcement of the Vagrancy Act 1824

243 Qualifying leases under the Building Safety Act 2022

244 Road user charging schemes in London

245 Protected landscapes

Part 13
General

246 Data protection

247 Crown application

248 Amendments of references to “retained direct EU legislation”

249 Abbreviated references to certain Acts

250 Power to make consequential provision

251 Power to address conflicts with the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023

252 Regulations

253 Financial provisions

254 Extent

255 Commencement and transitional provision

256 Short title

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1 Combined county authorities: overview and scrutiny committees and audit committee

Schedule 2 Mayors for combined county authority areas: further provisions about elections

Schedule 3 Mayors for combined county authority Areas: PCC functions

Schedule 4 Combined county authorities: consequential amendments

Schedule 5 Alteration of street names: consequential amendments

Schedule 6 Determinations and other decisions: having regard to national development management policies

Schedule 7 Plan making

Schedule 8 Minor and consequential amendments in connection with Chapter 2 of Part 3

Schedule 9 Street votes: minor and consequential amendments

Schedule 10 Crown development: consequential amendments

Schedule 11 Completion notices: consequential amendments

Schedule 12 Infrastructure Levy

Schedule 13 Regulations under Chapter 1 of Part 3 or Part 6: restrictions on devolved authorities

Schedule 14 Existing environmental assessment legislation

Schedule 15 Amendments of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017: assumptions about nutrient pollution standards

Schedule 16 Locally-led development corporations: minor and consequential amendments

Schedule 17 Planning functions of development corporations: minor and consequential amendments

Schedule 18 Conditional confirmation and making of compulsory purchase orders: consequential amendments

Schedule 19 Compulsory purchase: corresponding provision for purchases by Ministers

Schedule 20 Grounds of appeal against final letting notice

Schedule 21 Provision to be included in terms of tenancy further to contract under section 204

Schedule 22 Pavement licences

Schedule 23 Use of non-domestic premises for childcare: registration

Schedule 24 Regulations under Chapter 1 of Part 3 or Part 6: form and scrutiny

Part 2Local democracy and devolution

Chapter 2Other provision

Combined authorities

58Review of combined authority’s constitutional arrangements

After section 104C of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (inserted by section 64(8)) insert—

“104DReview of combined authority’s constitutional arrangements

(1)

This section applies if an order under section 104(1) (constitution of combined authority) enables a combined authority to make provision about its constitution (“constitutional provision”).

(2)

An appropriate person may carry out a review of the combined authority’s constitutional provision if—

(a)

an appropriate person proposes a review, and

(b)

the combined authority consents to the review.

(3)

If an appropriate person carries out a review under subsection (2), they may propose changes to the combined authority’s constitutional provision as a result of the review for agreement by the authority.

(4)

The question of whether to consent under subsection (2)(b) or to agree to changes proposed under subsection (3) is to be decided at a meeting of the combined authority by a simple majority of the voting members of the authority who are present at the meeting.

(5)

In the case of a mayoral combined authority—

(a)

a majority in favour of consenting under subsection (2)(b) does not need to include the mayor, but

(b)

a majority in favour of changes proposed under subsection (3) must include the mayor.

(6)

The reference in subsection (4) to a voting member—

(a)

includes a substitute member who may act in place of a voting member;

(b)

does not include a non-constituent member.

(7)

Subsection (4) applies instead of—

(a)

any provision of an order under section 104(1) made before the coming into force of this section which is about the procedure applying to a decision on a question of a kind mentioned in subsection (4), and

(b)

any constitutional provision of a combined authority about such procedure.

(8)

In this section “appropriate person”, in relation to a combined authority, means—

(a)

a member of the authority appointed by a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority,

(b)

a member of the authority appointed by a district council whose area is within the area of the authority, or

(c)

the mayor for the area of the authority (if it is a mayoral combined authority).”

59Consent to changes to combined authority’s area

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended as follows.

(2)

In section 104 (constitution of combined authority), after subsection (11) insert—

“(11A)

If the only provision made under this section in an order under this Part is provision as a result of an order under section 106 (changes to boundaries of combined authority’s area)—

(a)

subsection (10) does not apply to the order under this Part, and

(b)

subsections (3A) to (3H) of section 106 apply in relation to the order as if it contained the provision made by the order under section 106.”

(3)

Section 106 (changes to boundaries of combined authority’s area) is amended in accordance with subsections (4) to (9).

(4)

For subsection (3A) substitute—

“(3A)

An order under this section adding or removing a local government area to or from an existing area of a mayoral combined authority may be made only if—

(a)

the relevant council in relation to the local government area consents, and

(b)

the mayor for the area of the combined authority consents.

(3AA)

An order under this section adding or removing a local government area to or from an existing area of a combined authority which is not a mayoral combined authority may be made only if—

(a)

the relevant council in relation to the local government area consents, and

(b)

the combined authority consents.”

(5)

In subsection (3B), for “subsection (3A)(a)” substitute “subsections (3A)(a) and (3AA)(a)”.

(6)

In subsection (3C), after “subsection (3A)(a)” insert “or (3AA)(a)”.

(7)

After subsection (3C) insert—

“(3CA)

The question of whether to consent under subsection (3AA)(b) to an order under this section is to be decided at a meeting of the combined authority by a simple majority of the voting members of the authority who are present at the meeting.

(3CB)

Subsection (3CA) applies instead of—

(a)

any provision of an order under section 104(1) made before the coming into force of that subsection which is about the procedure applying to a decision on a question of the kind mentioned in that subsection, and

(b)

any provision made by a combined authority about its constitution under such an order about such procedure.”

(8)

For subsection (3D) substitute—

“(3D)

Where an order under subsection (1)(b) is made as a result of the duty in section 105B(5) or 107B(4)—

(a)

subsection (2) does not apply, and

(b)

neither subsection (3A) nor subsection (3AA) applies.”

(9)

After subsection (3D) insert—

“(3E)

Subsection (3F) applies if a combined authority has made provision about its constitution under an order under section 104(1).

(3F)

A decision about any change to that provision as a result of an order under this section is to be decided at a meeting of the combined authority by a simple majority of the voting members of the authority who are present at the meeting.

(3G)

Subsection (3F) applies instead of—

(a)

any provision of an order under section 104(1) made before the coming into force of that subsection which is about the procedure applying to a decision on a question of the kind mentioned in that subsection, and

(b)

any provision made by a combined authority about its constitution under such an order about such procedure.

(3H)

A reference in this section to a voting member—

(a)

includes a substitute member who may act in place of a voting member;

(b)

does not include a non-constituent member.”

60Changes to mayoral combined authority’s area: additional requirements

(1)

An order under section 106 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 which adds a local government area to an existing area of a mayoral combined authority may only be made during the relevant period if the consultation requirements in subsection (2) are met.

(2)

The consultation requirements are as follows—

(a)

the Secretary of State has consulted the Local Government Boundary Commission for England,

(b)

the mayor for the area of the combined authority has consulted the residents of the local government area which is to be added to that area, and

(c)

the mayor has given the Secretary of State a report providing information about the consultation carried out under paragraph (b), and the Secretary of State has laid the report before Parliament.

(3)

In this section, “the relevant period” means the period of 9 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

61Consent to conferral of general functions on mayor

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended as follows.

(2)

In section 104 (constitution of combined authority), after subsection (11A) (inserted by section 59(2)) insert—

“(11B)

If the only provision made under this section in an order under this Part is provision as a result of an order to which section 107DA (procedure for direct conferral of general functions on mayor) applies—

(a)

subsection (10) does not apply to the order under this Part, and

(b)

the order may be made only with the consent of the mayor for the combined authority.”

(3)

In section 105B (section 105A orders: procedure), after subsection (5) insert—

“(5A)

The requirements in subsection (1) do not apply where the order is made under sections 105A and 107D in relation to an existing mayoral combined authority and provides for a function—

(a)

to be a function of the combined authority, and

(b)

to be a function exercisable only by the mayor.

See section 107DA in relation to an order of this kind.”

(4)

In section 107D (functions of mayors: general), after subsection (10) insert—

“(11)

The requirement in subsection (9) does not apply where the order is made under section 105A and this section in relation to an existing mayoral combined authority and provides for a function—

(a)

to be a function of the combined authority, and

(b)

to be a function exercisable only by the mayor.

See section 107DA in relation to an order of this kind.”

(5)

After section 107D insert—

“107DAProcedure for direct conferral of general functions on mayor

(1)

This section applies in relation to an order which is made under sections 105A and 107D in relation to an existing mayoral combined authority and provides for a function—

(a)

to be a function of the combined authority, and

(b)

to be a function exercisable only by the mayor.

(2)

The Secretary of State may make the order only if a request for the making of the order has been made to the Secretary of State by the mayor.

(3)

Before submitting a request under this section, the mayor must consult the constituent councils.

(4)

A request under this section must contain—

(a)

a statement by the mayor that all of the constituent councils agree to the making of the order, or

(b)

if the mayor is unable to make that statement, the reasons why the mayor considers the order should be made even though not all of the constituent councils agree to it being made.

(5)

In this section “constituent council” means—

(a)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the combined authority, or

(b)

a district council whose area is within the area of the combined authority.”

62Consent to conferral of police and crime commissioner functions on mayor

(1)

Section 107F of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (functions of mayors: policing) is amended as follows.

(2)

For subsection (4) substitute—

“(4)

An order under subsection (1) may be made in relation to an existing mayoral combined authority only with the consent of the mayor of the authority.”

(3)

Omit subsection (9).

63Functions in respect of key route network roads

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended as follows.

(2)

In section 104, in subsection (10), for “An” substitute “Except as provided for by section 107ZA(7), an”.

(3)

In section 107D, in subsection (9), for “An” substitute “Except as provided for by section 107ZA(7), an”.

(4)

After section 107 insert—

“Combined authorities: key route network roads

107ZADesignation of key route network roads

(1)

A combined authority may designate a highway or proposed highway in its area as a key route network road, or remove its designation as a key route network road, with the consent of—

(a)

each constituent council in whose area the highway or proposed highway is, and

(b)

in the case of a mayoral combined authority, the mayor.

(2)

The Secretary of State may designate a highway or proposed highway in the area of a combined authority as a key route network road, or remove its designation as a key route network road, if requested to do so by—

(a)

the combined authority,

(b)

the mayor (if any) of the combined authority, or

(c)

a constituent council.

(3)

A designation or removal under this section must be in writing and must state when it comes into effect.

(4)

The Secretary of State must send a copy of a designation or removal under subsection (2) to the combined authority in question at least 7 days before the date on which it comes into effect.

(5)

A combined authority must publish each designation or removal under this section of a key route network road within its area before the date on which it comes into effect.

(6)

A combined authority that has key route network roads in its area must keep a list or map (or both) accessible to the public showing those roads.

(7)

The requirements in section 104(10) and section 107D(9)(a) do not apply to provision under section 104(1)(d) and section 107D(1) contained in the same instrument so far as that provision—

(a)

confers a power of direction on an existing mayoral combined authority regarding the exercise of an eligible power in respect of key route network roads in the area of that combined authority,

(b)

provides for that power of direction to be exercisable only by the mayor of the combined authority, and

(c)

is made with the consent of the mayor after the mayor has consulted the constituent councils.

(8)

When a mayor consents under subsection (7)(c), the mayor must give the Secretary of State—

(a)

a statement by the mayor that all of the constituent councils agree to the making of the order, or

(b)

if the mayor is unable to make that statement, the reasons why the mayor considers the order should be made even though not all of the constituent councils agree to it being made.

(9)

In this section—

constituent council” has the meaning given in section 104(11);

eligible power” has the meaning given by section 88(2) of the Local Transport Act 2008;

key route network road” means a highway or proposed highway designated for the time being under this section as a key route network road;

proposed highway” means land on which, in accordance with plans made by a highway authority, that authority are for the time being constructing or intending to construct a highway shown in the plans.”

64Membership of combined authority

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended as follows.

(2)

Section 104 (constitution of combined authority) is amended in accordance with subsections (3) to (7).

(3)

In subsection (2), for “85” substitute “85(1) to (3)”.

(4)

For subsection (2A) substitute—

“(2A)

But—

(a)

section 84 of that Act, in its application to a combined authority by virtue of subsection (1)(a), is subject to—

(i)

sections 104A and 104B and regulations under section 104C (combined authority membership), and

(ii)

sections 104D(4) and 106(3CA) and (3F) (procedure for combined authority consents), and

(b)

section 85(1) of that Act, in its application to a combined authority by virtue of subsection (2), is subject to subsections (2AA) and (2B).”

(5)

After subsection (2A) insert—

“(2AA)

Section 85(1)(a) has effect as if it required an order which includes provision about the number and appointment of members of a combined authority to provide for the authority’s members, other than—

(a)

the mayor (in the case of a mayoral combined authority),

(b)

the authority’s non-constituent members (see section 104A), and

(c)

the authority’s associate members (see section 104B),

to be appointed by the authority’s constituent councils.”

(6)

Omit subsection (2C).

(7)

In subsection (11), for “subsection (10)” substitute “this section”.

(8)

After section 104 insert—

“104ANon-constituent members of a combined authority

(1)

A combined authority may designate a body other than a constituent council as a nominating body for the purposes of this Part.

(2)

A body may be designated under subsection (1) only if the body consents to the designation.

(3)

A nominating body of a combined authority may nominate a representative of the body for appointment by the authority as a member (a “non-constituent member”).

(4)

The non-constituent members of a combined authority are to be non-voting members of that authority unless the voting members resolve otherwise.

(5)

A resolution under subsection (4) does not permit non-constituent members to vote on a decision whether the combined authority should consent to the making of an order under this Part.

(6)

This section is subject to regulations under section 104C(4) (disapplication of this section).

(7)

In this section “constituent council”, in relation to a combined authority, means—

(a)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority, or

(b)

a district council whose area is within the area of the authority.

104BAssociate members of a combined authority

(1)

A combined authority may appoint an individual to be a member (“an associate member”) of the combined authority.

(2)

The associate members of a combined authority are to be non-voting members of the authority.

(3)

This section is subject to regulations under section 104C(4) (disapplication of this section).

104CRegulations about members

(1)

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a)

constituent members of a combined authority;

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority in the mayor’s capacity as a member of the authority;

(c)

nominating bodies of a combined authority;

(d)

non-constituent members of a combined authority;

(e)

associate members of a combined authority.

(2)

The provision that may be made by regulations under subsection (1) includes, in particular, provision about—

(a)

the cases in which a decision of a combined authority requires a majority, or a particular kind of majority, of the votes of members of a particular kind;

(b)

the process for the designation of a nominating body or the removal of such a designation;

(c)

the number of nominating bodies that may be designated by a combined authority;

(d)

the number of non-constituent members that may be appointed by a combined authority;

(e)

the appointment, disqualification, resignation or removal of a non-constituent member;

(f)

the appointment of a substitute member to act in place of a non-constituent member;

(g)

the maximum number of non-constituent members of a combined authority;

(h)

the making by a nominating body of a combined authority of payments towards the costs of the authority;

(i)

the things which may or may not be done by, or in relation to, a non-constituent member;

(j)

the appointment, disqualification, resignation or removal of an associate member;

(k)

the appointment of a substitute member to act in place of an associate member;

(l)

the maximum number of associate members of a combined authority;

(m)

the things which may or may not be done by, or in relation to, an associate member.

(3)

Regulations under subsection (1) may confer a discretion on a combined authority to determine any matter.

(4)

The Secretary of State may by regulations provide, in relation to a combined authority established by an order which came into force before the coming into force of this section—

(a)

for the relevant provisions about membership not to apply in relation to the authority, or

(b)

for the authority to determine whether the relevant provisions about membership are to apply in relation to the authority.

(5)

In subsection (4)the relevant provisions about membership” means—

(a)

the amendments to section 104 made by section 64(2) to (7) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, and

(b)

sections 104A and 104B.

(6)

Regulations under subsection (1) or (4) may make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(7)

In this section “constituent member”, in relation to a combined authority, means a member of the authority (other than any mayor for the area of the authority) appointed by—

(a)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority, or

(b)

a district council whose area is within the area of the authority.”

(9)

In section 105 (constitution of combined authority), after subsection (3) insert—

“(3ZA)

But section 92, in its application to a combined authority by virtue of subsection (3), is subject to regulations under section 104C(1) (combined authority membership).”

(10)

In section 107C (deputy mayors etc), after subsection (6) insert—

“(6A)

References in this section to a member of a combined authority do not include a non-constituent or associate member.”

(11)

In section 107D (functions of mayors: general)—

(a)

after subsection (3) insert—

“(3A)

The reference in subsection (3)(b) to a member of a combined authority does not include a non-constituent or associate member.”, and

(b)

after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

An order under subsection (3)(c) must provide that the committee must not consist solely of non-constituent or associate members.”

(12)

In section 107G (mayors for combined authority areas: financial provision), after subsection (6) insert—

“(6A)

The reference in subsection (6)(b)(i) to a member of a combined authority does not include a non-constituent or associate member.”

(13)

In section 120 (interpretation), at the appropriate places insert—

““associate member” has the meaning given by section 104B(1);”,”;

““nominating body” means a body designated under section 104A(1);”, and

““non-constituent member” has the meaning given by section 104A(3);”.

65Proposal for establishment of combined authority

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (8).

(2)

Omit sections 108 (review by authorities: new combined authority) and 109 (preparation and publication of scheme: new combined authority).

(3)

Before section 110 insert—

“109AProposal for new combined authority

(1)

One or more authorities to which this section applies may—

(a)

prepare a proposal for the establishment of a combined authority for an area, and

(b)

submit the proposal to the Secretary of State.

(2)

This section applies to the following authorities—

(a)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the proposed area;

(b)

a district council whose area is within the proposed area;

(c)

an EPB the whole or any part of whose area is within the proposed area;

(d)

an ITA the whole or any part of whose area is within the proposed area;

(e)

a combined county authority the whole or any part of whose area is within the proposed area.

(3)

In this section—

combined county authority” means a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;

the proposed area” means the area for which the combined authority is proposed to be established.

(4)

Before submitting a proposal under this section to the Secretary of State, the authority or authorities preparing the proposal must—

(a)

carry out a public consultation across the proposed area on the proposal, and

(b)

have regard to the results of the consultation in preparing the proposal for submission to the Secretary of State.

(5)

The requirements in subsection (4) may be satisfied by things done before the coming into force of this section.

(6)

If a proposal under this section is not submitted by all of the authorities to which this section applies, each authority which does not submit the proposal must consent to its submission to the Secretary of State.

(7)

A proposal under this section must specify the purposes to be achieved by the establishment of the combined authority.

(8)

The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a)

make further provision about the matters which must be addressed by a proposal under this section;

(b)

make provision about material which must be included in or submitted with a proposal under this section.

(9)

Regulations under subsection (8) may make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.”

(4)

Section 110 (requirements in connection with establishment of combined authority) is amended in accordance with subsections (5) to (8).

(5)

In subsection (1), for paragraph (a) substitute—

“(a)

the Secretary of State considers that to do so is likely to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the area,

(aa)

the Secretary of State considers that to do so is appropriate having regard to the need—

(i)

to secure effective and convenient local government, and

(ii)

to reflect the identities and interests of local communities,

(ab)

where a proposal for the establishment of the combined authority has been submitted under section 109A, the Secretary of State considers that its establishment will achieve the purposes specified under subsection (7) of that section,”.

(6)

For subsection (1A) substitute—

“(1A)

If a proposal for the establishment of the combined authority has been submitted under section 109A, the Secretary of State must have regard to the proposal in making the order.”

(7)

In subsection (2), for paragraphs (a) and (b) (and the “and” at the end of paragraph (b)) substitute—

“(a)

a proposal has been prepared under section 109A,

(b)

a public consultation has been carried out in connection with the proposal and the Secretary of State has been provided with a summary of the consultation responses, and”.

(8)

Omit subsection (4).

(9)

This section does not affect—

(a)

the operation of section 108 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 in relation to a review that began before this section came into force, or

(b)

the operation of section 109 of that Act in relation to the preparation and publication of a scheme following such a review.

(10)

The amendments made by subsections (5) to (8) do not apply to section 110 of that Act as it has effect in relation to—

(a)

the making of an order in response to a scheme under section 109 of that Act, or

(b)

the making of an order otherwise than in response to a scheme, where a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order was laid before Parliament before the coming into force of this section.

66Proposal for changes to existing combined arrangements

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (9).

(2)

Omit sections 111 (review by authorities: existing combined authority) and 112 (preparation and publication of scheme: existing combined authority).

(3)

Before section 113 insert—

“112AProposal for changes to existing combined arrangements

(1)

One or more authorities to which this section applies may—

(a)

prepare a proposal for the making of an order under section 104, 105, 105A, 106, 107, 107A, 107D or 107F in relation to an existing combined authority, and

(b)

submit the proposal to the Secretary of State.

(2)

This section applies to the following authorities—

(a)

the combined authority;

(b)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the combined authority;

(c)

a district council whose area is within the area of the combined authority;

(d)

in the case of a proposal for the making of an order under section 106 to add all or part of the area of a county council to the area of the combined authority, that county council;

(e)

in the case of a proposal for the making of an order under section 106 to add the area of a district council to the area of the combined authority, that district council.

(3)

Before submitting a proposal under this section to the Secretary of State, the authority or authorities preparing the proposal must—

(a)

carry out a public consultation across—

(i)

the area of the combined authority, and

(ii)

in the case of a proposal for the making of an order under section 106 to add a local government area to the area of the combined authority, that local government area, and

(b)

have regard to the results of the consultation in preparing the proposal for submission to the Secretary of State.

(4)

The requirements in subsection (3) may be satisfied by things done before the coming into force of this section.

(5)

Before a proposal under this section for the making of an order is submitted to the Secretary of State, each person who would have to consent to the making of the order must consent to the submission of the proposal.

(6)

If a proposal under this section is submitted to the Secretary of State by an authority, the authority is to be treated as having consented to its submission for the purposes of subsection (5).

(7)

In determining for the purposes of subsection (5) who would have to consent to the making of an order under section 105A, subsections (3) and (4) of section 105B (limited consent requirements) are to be disregarded.

(8)

In determining for the purposes of subsection (5) who would have to consent to the making of an order under section 107A, section 107B(3)(b) (limited consent requirements) is to be disregarded.

(9)

A proposal under this section must specify the purposes to be achieved by the order which it proposes should be made.

(10)

The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a)

make further provision about the matters which must be addressed by a proposal under this section;

(b)

make provision about material which must be included in or submitted with a proposal under this section.

(11)

Regulations under subsection (10) may make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.”

(4)

Section 113 (requirements in connection with changes to existing combined arrangements) is amended in accordance with subsections (5) to (9).

(5)

In subsection (1), for “106 or 107” substitute “105A, 106, 107, 107A, 107D or 107F”.

(6)

In subsection (1), for paragraph (a) (and the “and” at the end of that paragraph) substitute—

“(a)

the Secretary of State considers that to do so is likely to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the area,

(aa)

the Secretary of State considers that to do so is appropriate having regard to the need—

(i)

to secure effective and convenient local government, and

(ii)

to reflect the identities and interests of local communities,

(ab)

where a proposal for the making of the order has been submitted under section 112A, the Secretary of State considers that making the order will achieve the purposes specified under subsection (9) of that section, and”.

(7)

For subsection (1A) substitute—

“(1A)

If a proposal for the making of the order has been submitted under section 112A, the Secretary of State must have regard to the proposal in making the order.”

(8)

In subsection (2), for paragraphs (a) and (b) (and the “and” at the end of paragraph (b)) substitute—

“(a)

a proposal has been prepared under section 112A,

(b)

a public consultation has been carried out in connection with the proposal and the Secretary of State has been provided with a summary of the consultation responses, and”.

(9)

Omit subsection (3).

(10)

This section does not affect—

(a)

the operation of section 111 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 in relation to a review that began before this section came into force, or

(b)

the operation of section 112 of that Act in relation to the preparation and publication of a scheme following such a review.

(11)

The amendments made by subsections (5) to (9) do not apply to section 113 of that Act as it has effect in relation to—

(a)

the making of an order in response to a scheme under section 112 of that Act, or

(b)

the making of an order otherwise than in response to a scheme, where a draft of the statutory instrument containing the order was laid before Parliament before the coming into force of this section.

(12)

The requirement to consult under section 113(2) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, as amended by this section, may be satisfied by consultation before (as well as after) the passing of this Act.

67Consequential amendments relating to section 65 and 66

(1)

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is amended as follows.

(2)

In section 105B (section 105A orders: procedure)—

(a)

in subsection (1)—

(i)

in paragraph (a), for “by the appropriate authorities,” substitute “—

(i)

as part of a proposal under section 109A, or

(ii)

in accordance with section 112A,”, and

(ii)

in paragraph (b), for the words from “the exercise” to the end of the paragraph substitute “the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the area or areas to which the order relates”, and

(b)

omit subsection (11).

(3)

In section 107B (requirements in connection with orders under section 107A)—

(a)

in subsection (1), for “by the appropriate authorities,” substitute “—

(a)

as part of a proposal under section 109A, or

(b)

in accordance with section 112A,”, and

(b)

omit subsection (2).

(4)

The amendments made by this section do not affect the operation of section 105B or 107B of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 in relation to a proposal under that section made before the coming into force of this section.

68Regulations applying to combined authorities

(1)

Section 117 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (orders under Part 6) is amended as follows.

(2)

In the heading, after “Orders” insert “and regulations”.

(3)

In subsection (1), after “Orders” insert “and regulations”.

(4)

In subsection (1A), after “An order” insert “or regulations”.

(5)

After subsection (3) insert—

“(3A)

A statutory instrument that contains (whether alone or with any other provisions) regulations under section 104C(1), 104C(4), or 107K(1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument containing the regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(3B)

A statutory instrument that—

(a)

contains regulations under section 109A(8) or 112A(10), and

(b)

is not by virtue of subsection (3A) subject to a requirement that a draft of the instrument be laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament,

is subject to annulment by resolution of either House of Parliament.”

(6)

In subsection (4), after “Part” insert “or of regulations under section 104C(1) or (4).

69Combined authorities and combined county authorities: power to borrow

In section 23 of the Local Government Act 2003 (meaning of “local authority” for the purposes of Part 1), after subsection (10) insert—

“(10A)

If a draft of a statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (5) or (8A) would, apart from this subsection, be treated for the purposes of the standing orders of either House of Parliament as a hybrid instrument, it is to proceed in that House as if it were not such an instrument.”

70Payment of allowances to committee members

(1)

In Schedule 5A to the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (combined authorities: overview and scrutiny committees and audit committees)—

(a)

in paragraph 3(2) (power by order to make further provision about overview and scrutiny committees), after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa)

about the payment of allowances to members of such a committee who are members of a constituent council;”, and

(b)

in paragraph 4(3) (power by order to make further provision about audit committees), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(c)

the payment of allowances to members of the committee who are members of a constituent council (within the meaning of paragraph 3).”

(2)

In Schedule 5C to that Act (mayors for combined authority areas: police and crime commissioner functions), after paragraph 5 insert—

“5A

The Secretary of State may by order make provision about the payment of allowances to members of a police and crime panel established by virtue of an order under paragraph 4 who are members of a constituent council (within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 5A).”