During the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July, His Majesty The King opened the 2024/25 parliamentary session, setting out the new Labour government’s first King’s Speech and legislative plan. The speech, described as mission led and based on the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all, contained 40 bills, some of which are of particular interest to our sector. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to streamline the planning system for key infrastructure, provide 300 new planning officers, address development barriers, such as the ‘hope value’ on land, and simplify compulsory purchase compensation rules. The English Devolution Bill includes new powers to metro majors, combined authorities, and a strengthened community ‘right to buy’ community assets. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – also known as Martyn’s Law – will require those responsible for certain premises and events to take steps to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and reduce harm in the event of a terrorist attack occurring, the measures required vary according to the capacity of the premises or event. NALC’s president, Baroness Scott of Needham Market, gave her usual excellent speech during the King’s Speech debate on energy, environment, and housing. She congratulated the new government and ministers and highlighted she is looking to working with them on a “fruitful relationship going forward”. Baroness Scott highlighted the role of local (parish and town) councils in using neighbourhood plans to deliver more housing. She stressed that areas without local councils were “missing out” and called for an extension and expansion of “this hyperlocal level of governance”.
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