Story perspectives

Parliament Approves Act Creating Elected Mayors, Community Asset Rights

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Parliament granted royal assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.
The act creates Strategic Authorities led by elected mayors with powers over transport, planning, housing and regeneration.
It establishes Local Scrutiny Committees to oversee mayoral spending and introduces a Community Right to Buy for local assets.
The legislation bans upward-only rent-review clauses, requires gambling impact assessments and lets officers suspend taxi licences for out-of-area driving.

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Story summary

Parliament granted royal assent to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.
The act creates Strategic Authorities led by elected mayors with powers over transport, planning, housing and regeneration.
It establishes Local Scrutiny Committees to oversee mayoral spending and introduces a Community Right to Buy for local assets.
The legislation bans upward-only rent-review clauses, requires gambling impact assessments and lets officers suspend taxi licences for out-of-area driving.