The UK government has published its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill [10 July] that will grant greater regional powers to mayors.
The bill grants a host of powers to regional mayors including greater control over transport – be it infrastructure, rail or buses.
This includes enabling mayors to decide on how local public transport services are integrated into a wider network.
UK minister of state for local government and English devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP said: “For too long power and opportunity has been concentrated in Westminster and Whitehall while the local councils millions rely on have been frustrated and diminished.
“This failed approach has held back growth across our country for far too long. Local people see this in the job market, on the high street and in their own household security and prosperity.
“Devolution begins the work of fixing that, with this Bill delivering freedom to local leaders to make decisions for their local areas in partnership with local communities, unleashing more growth and more opportunities for people as part of our Plan for Change.”
The bill follows the incumbent Labour government’s plans to devolve regional powers and bring privately-owned public transport services gradually back into public ownership.
READ MORE: More than 50 rail and road upgrades greenlit by UK DfT
The first rail network to be renationalised was South Western, with others to follow once their private tenders finish or not renewed.
Angela Jones, president of Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT), spoke of how the decision could alter the way local highways, recycling, waste and planning are administered across the country.
She said: “ADEPT welcomes the introduction of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and the opportunity it presents for strengthening local leadership and place-based service delivery.
“It is essential that the technical expertise and operational knowledge of local government is fully recognised and utilised as devolution moves forward.
“We are currently analysing the bill in detail and will continue to engage with government and partners as it progresses through Parliament.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
