Ellie Ames 07 November 2023

‘Nothing for local government’ in King’s Speech

‘Nothing for local government’ in King’s Speech image

Councils have expressed disappointment that the King’s Speech offered no commitment to improving local government finances or furthering devolution.

The chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA), Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, said: ‘Today’s King’s Speech contained nothing for local government at a time when council finances are at breaking point, and local authorities are crying out for the devolved powers and funding to deliver crucial housing, transport, and net zero projects essential to "levelling up".

‘We are witnessing a record number of local authorities facing S114 - putting vital services at risk in dozens of councils.

‘Our members were desperate for some answers and assurances in today's announcement.

‘It is now essential that the Government use the upcoming Autumn Statement to stabilise council finances – a vital last opportunity to help support our members.’

Among the legislation announced today was a Tobacco and Vapes Bill to restrict the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children and to ensure that children currently aged fourteen or younger are never legally unable to buy cigarettes.

The Renters (Reform) Bill will be carried into next year, although the Government has said the long-anticipated ban on ‘no-fault’ section 21 evictions will be delayed ‘until stronger possession grounds and a new court process is in place’.

There was no mention of restricting homeless people’s use of tents but the Government said it would tackle ‘persistent, nuisance, and organised begging’.

King Charles announced that a bill would be introduced ‘to deal with the scourge of unlicensed pedicabs in London.’

Westminster City Council, which has been campaigning on the issue, welcomed the news but said it was disappointed that the Government did not deliver on promises to legislate on e-bikes and scooters.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner