Heather Jameson 09 May 2021

Queen's speech: PM's 'live local and prosper' promise

Queens speech: PMs live local and prosper promise image

Levelling up, boosting the economy and backing the NHS are set to be the priorities for Tuesday’s Queen’s speech.Fresh from his election victory, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reward Red Wall voters with a centrepiece promise they can ‘live local and prosper’.

The focus is expected to shift from jabs to jobs as the country leaves behind the worst of the health crisis and starts to address the economic crisis ahead.

There is likely to be a planning bill, as mooted last summer, to create a new zoning system and speed up the planning process – amid fears it will take local discretion away from communities.

Also on the cards will be changes to the Fixed Term Parliament’s Act, returning the power to call an election back to the prime minister. And reforms to combat election fraud – spearheaded by former communities secretary Lord Pickles – will see mandatory photo ID at polling stations.

In the aftermath of Grenfell – and last week’s Poplar fire – the Building Safety Bill that featured in the 2019 Queen’s Speech is expected to return.

The long-awaited Social Care Bill looks increasingly unlikely to emerge in this year’s parliamentary timetable, but it could get a mention as part of a wider Health and Care Bill planned to change the structure of the NHS.

An education and skills bill will offer a life-long learning guarantee among the 25 bills expected.

Mr Johnson said: ‘My Government is still focussed on beating this disease, saving lives and livelihoods and rolling out vaccines, but I am also determined that we look forward and get on with fulfilling the promises we have made to the British people.

‘Not only will we address the legacies of the pandemic, we will go further to unite and level up the country, fight crime and create opportunities up and down the country for businesses and families to build brighter futures.’

And the Government has stated it has no intention of legislating to allow councils to continue to meet virtually if they choose to do so.

A number of bills are due to be carried over from last parliamentary session, including the Environment Bill which will set legally binding environmental targets in the run up to the UK hosting COP26 in the Autumn.

In the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, local authorities, police and other agencies will be given a legal duty to work together to tackle the causes of knife crime and youth violence.

There is also expected to be an asylum seekers bill, and a post-Brexit Sovereign Borders Bill and measures to tackle terrorism.

Photo: Karl Weller / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Procurement Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 - £52860
At West Northamptonshire Council, we’re looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to play a pivotal role in the delivery of high quality, value for money services. This is an exciting opportunity to join our forward-thinking central procurement an Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Revenues Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65098 - £71353
We’re looking for a Revenues Manager to lead our Council Tax and Business Rates service, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance with legislation, and a strong focus on customer experience. In this role, you’ll lead the strategic direction of Coun Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Licensing Manager

Fenland District Council
Hay 1 £55,642 - £59,256
We are seeking a highly skilled and influential Strategic Lead for Licensing Services Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Fenland District Council

Street Cleansing Team Leader

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£40,547 - £41,870 (includes additional allowances)
Street Services - improving residents’ lives Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Practice Development Lead

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO5 - £52,194 to £55,323
Are you ready to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Royal Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner