The 2026 Act reshapes English governance by shifting power from Whitehall to local leaders.

Science · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 marks a significant shift in how England is governed. By formalizing Strategic Authorities and granting mayors expanded control over housing, transport, and economic planning, the legislation aims to accelerate the transfer of power from central government to regional and local levels.

The Act introduces a new legal framework for Strategic Authorities, which include the Greater London Authority, combined authorities, and combined county authorities. These bodies are now empowered to drive regional economic growth, manage local infrastructure, and oversee strategic planning. To ensure these powers are exercised responsibly, the legislation mandates the creation of Local Scrutiny Committees, which are tasked with providing oversight of public spending and decision-making processes within mayoral authorities.

Beyond structural reorganization, the Act grants local communities tangible new rights. A notable addition is the Community Right to Buy, which provides local residents with the first right of refusal for valued assets like community centers or shops when they are listed for sale. Furthermore, the legislation addresses high street concerns by allowing councils to block new gambling shops through mandatory Gambling Impact Assessments and by banning Upwards Only Rent Review clauses in commercial leases, ensuring that business rents can decrease when market rates fall.

The Act also streamlines local administration and enforcement. It establishes a Local Audit Office to improve the transparency and efficiency of council finances and introduces national standards for taxi drivers, allowing for cross-authority license enforcement. Additionally, local transport authorities gain new powers to penalize dangerous pavement parking and regulate rental e-bikes. Mayors are now required to formally consider health inequalities in their policy decisions, aligning regional economic strategies with broader national objectives while ensuring that local leadership remains accountable to the public.

This legislative overhaul follows a series of devolution efforts dating back to the late 1990s. While previous governments established various combined authorities, the 2026 Act seeks to consolidate these models and accelerate the devolution process. By prohibiting mayors from holding seats in the House of Commons or other devolved legislatures, the Act emphasizes a dedicated focus on regional governance, marking a definitive step in the ongoing evolution of England's administrative landscape.

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