A New Dawn for Regional Power? What the Devolution Bill Means for the East of England

The UK Government has this week unveiled its landmark piece of legislation that could dramatically reshape the governance of towns, cities, and rural communities across England—including those in the East.

The English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill, signals a decisive shift in how local areas will be governed, how decisions are made, and who holds power.

What’s Changing?

At the heart of the Bill is a bold ambition: to extend the powers of elected mayors, simplify the creation of combined authorities, and bring neighbourhood-level governance closer to citizens. For regions like Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, this is a potentially transformative moment.

1. Mayors With Teeth

Strategic authority mayors are set to gain a host of new powers, including:

• Control over local transport networks and micromobility licensing (e.g., e-scooters and bikes)

• Intervention rights on planning decisions of “strategic importance”

• The ability to make mayoral development orders, granting upfront planning permissions for key sites

• Extended responsibilities over police and fire services, especially where existing boundaries are aligned

The Bill also reintroduces the supplementary vote system, allowing voters to express a second preference in mayoral and PCC elections—ensuring broader support for elected candidates. A move that has been interpreted as a method of limiting Reform’s chances of winning Mayoral elections.

2. Streamlined Local Government Reform

The Bill grants the Communities Secretary new powers to compel local government reorganisation, even in the face of local objection. Councils will be encouraged—or directed—to move toward combined authorities and away from the committee system.

Importantly, the Bill introduces two new routes for reform: one locally led, and one Secretary of State-led. In both, the number of required consents and consultations is reduced. This signals a shift away from optional devolution to one that is expected—and enforced if necessary.

3. Neighbourhood Power and Governance

One of the most progressive elements of the Bill is its emphasis on neighbourhood governance. Every council will have a new duty to create meaningful neighbourhood arrangements—strengthening the role of ward councillors as “frontline leaders” and forging stronger connections between local government and communities.

This approach aims to empower residents, improve service delivery, and support locally tailored decision-making. For rural and semi-rural areas in the East of England, this could mark a major improvement in representation and responsiveness.

4. Community Right to Buy—Expanded

Building on the Localism Act 2011, the Bill introduces an enhanced community right to buy. Communities will now have a right of first refusal when a listed community asset is put up for sale, with a 12-month moratorium to raise funds. This could be particularly impactful in safeguarding vital community assets like pubs, sports grounds, and village halls.

5. A Financial Reset

Mayors will gain new powers to levy a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support regional infrastructure. The use of the mayoral precept will also be widened, meaning revenue can now fund functions such as adult skills or transport, rather than being restricted to narrower services.

In addition, the Bill proposes to standardise budget voting rules across combined authorities—replacing the requirement for unanimous decisions with majority votes that include the mayor. This will streamline decision-making and reduce the risk of stalemate.

What This Means for the East?

For the East of England, this Bill presents a turning point. If passed, it will accelerate devolution and usher in a new wave of strategic regional governance. But realising its potential depends on how local leaders, businesses, and communities engage with it.

• Leadership: The East must develop a clear regional vision and push for more powerful, accountable mayors where they don’t yet exist.

• Alignment: Strategic infrastructure planning—including housing, transport, and energy—must align across councils, combined authorities, and economic geographies.

• Opportunity: With extended planning and transport powers, mayors in the East could better unlock stalled development sites, improve travel links, and target investment.

• Voice: The emphasis on neighbourhood governance can empower citizens in small towns, coastal communities, and rural areas long neglected by national policy.

Looking Ahead

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, described the Bill as “a new dawn of regional power,” designed to ensure that “no single street or household is left behind.”

Whether in business, local government, or the voluntary sector, all regional stakeholders must be ready to shape how this legislation lands. Done well, this Bill could decentralise power, unlock growth, and embed local leadership across the East.

But without active participation, the risk is that the East is left reacting to changes made elsewhere. The call to action is clear: be at the table, shape the agenda, and ensure the region speaks with one voice.

For further updates and briefings on how this legislation affects your area, follow the Eastern Powerhouse or contact us to discuss.