Ministers propose voting changes for mayoral elections in English devolution bill

After frustrations over losses to Reform, Labour wants to scrap first-past-the-post system brought in by ConservativesMinisters are changing the voting system for mayoral elections in a move likely to make it harder for Reform politicians to take big regions like Lincolnshire and Hull as they did this year.The changes are part of a new devolution bill, intended to bring a “radical reset to local government”, which will take further steps towards merging many district and county councils into unitary “strategic” authorities.Giving the secretary of state powers to direct local authorities to reorganise into bigger unitary authorities where they are not making sufficient progress locally towards that goal.Measures to make it easier for communities to take ownership of pubs, shops and social hubs through a new right to buy. It means communities will have the first opportunity to purchase local assets when they are put up for sale, and be given an extended 12-month period to raise funding.Protections for more local sports grounds by introducing a new category to protect local sporting assets preserving local character, boosting tourism and keeping community spirit alive.A ban on upward only rent reviews (UORR) clauses in commercial leases, which stop downward negotiations for rents for shops and other high street premises.More power for mayors across England to speed up the development of new homes and infrastructure in their areas.New licensing powers to govern rental e-bikes, neighboured plans and new planning powers for local authorities to set the direction of growth across their areas.A new body called the Local Audit Office to keep on top of council spending and accounts. Continue reading...

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