A Bill to make provision about combined authorities, combined county authorities, the Greater London Authority, local councils, police and crime commissioners and fire and rescue authorities, local audit and terms in business tenancies about rent.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill sets out how devolution and local empowerment should work for combined authorities, the Greater London Authority, local councils, police and crime commissioners and fire and rescue authorities. It also covers local audit arrangements and rent terms in business tenancies, aiming to give communities a greater say in local decision‑making.
The bill is currently at Committee stage in the Lords, having progressed through the Commons with a Second Reading and amendments.
In the Lords, a series of divisions on 24–25 November 2025 showed a split along party lines, with the Third Reading passing 322 votes to 179 in favour and various amendments defeated by large margins. Overall party totals indicate Labour opposed the bill while Conservative and several smaller parties supported it or voted for amendments.
Generated 21 February 2026
Based on 10 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye
Line by line examination of the bill continued during the seventh day of committee stage on 11 February.
What happens next?
Committee stage continues on 5 March when further amendments will be discussed.