A Bill to define the independence of local government; to regulate the relationship between local and central government in England by means of a statutory Code; to require public authorities to act in compliance with the Code; to provide that the Code may only be amended by means of an Order under the super-affirmative procedure, approved unanimously by each House of Parliament or by a majority in each House equal to or greater than two-thirds of the number of seats in each House; to exclude any Bill to amend this Act from the provisions of the Parliament Act 1911; to make provision regarding the powers and finances of local government in England; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
30 March 2015
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill would formalise the independence of local government in England by creating a statutory Code that sets out how local and central government should relate to each other. It would require public authorities to follow the Code, and changes to it would need a stringent cross-party approval process; it also lays out local government powers and finances and protects the Code from the Parliament Act 1911.
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and had its 1st reading in July 2014; the next steps would typically be Committee stage, then 3rd reading and consideration by the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
9 Jul 2014
This Bill was presented to Parliament on 9 July 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The 2014-15 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
