Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 113
The devolution framework should provide for the devolution to combined and local authorities of the...
Recommendation
The devolution framework should provide for the devolution to combined and local authorities of the spatial planning powers, call-in powers for planning applications, the powers to establish development corporations, compulsory purchase orders, consultation on strategic planning applications, and strategic infrastructure levies, currently exercised by some combined authorities. There should be greater transparency about the process. The Government should also consider further devolution of housing powers to London. There should there be a single pot for housing, with a requirement that a spatial plan be adopted beforehand.
Paragraph Reference:
113
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government has committed to introducing more mayoral and non-mayoral combined authorities which will allow more local authorities to develop strategic transport systems across local authority boundaries. The 2017 Bus Services Act gave Local Transport Authorities the potential for much greater influence over bus services in their area –underpinned by new types of statutory partnerships with operators and the ability to franchise services. All Local Transport Authorities in England outside London have confirmed, as the National Bus Strategy asked, that they are developing either, or both, of these approaches. Where appropriate, local authorities are already advised to collaborate across borders, including when developing Bus Service Improvement Plans and Local Cycling and Walking Investment Plans. In 2019, Network Rail undertook a major reorganisation. It was designed to put passengers first and to make decisions as close as possible to the passengers, working with stakeholders and communities. As part of the shift to empowered regional businesses that work directly with their stakeholders, Network Rail is committed to working with local transport authorities to consider the impact of its decisions on local transport, including connectivity and connections with other transport modes, and to help deliver results collaboratively. A new rail body, named ‘Great British Railways’ will provide strong unified leadership across the rail network. Bringing ownership of the infrastructure, fares, timetables and planning the network under one roof, it will consolidate the fragmented railways under a single point of operational accountability – ensuring the focus is delivering for passengers. Great British Railways will be organised around regional divisions so that decisions are made closer to the places the railways serve. Cities and regions in England will be given greater influence over local ticketing, services and stations through new partnerships between regional divisions and local and regional government. However, it is also up to Local Transport Authorities to ensure that the transport needs of the public are being met, and appropriate scrutiny arrangements should be reflected in their Local Transport Plans.