The Queen announced in her parliamentary opening speech today a number of new bills, including a ‘Decentrilisation and Localism Bill’ and an ‘Energy and Green Economy Bill’.
The Energy and Green Economy Bill is expected to encourage improved energy efficiency and the introduction of smart meters throughout the country. The new bill will promote low carbon energy production in England and Wales with the possibility of some areas of the bill applying to Scotland too.
Legislation will be put in place to facilitate green home loans, however uncertainties surround the future of renewable energy incentives and control over power station emissions.
Relevant to planning, the Decentralisation and Localism Bill is designed to give local councils more control over housing and planning decisions. A commitment to a review of local government finance was made and greater financial autonomy promised to local government. Residents are to be given the power to instigate local referendums on any local issue and the power to veto excessive council tax increases.
As expected the Infrastructure Planning Commission, Standards Board and Regional Spatial Strategies are to be abolished. Changes will mainly apply mainly to England and Wales. Scotland may not escape however with a warning issued that some elements of the bill may apply.
