English devolution: mayoral strategic authorities
A briefing on the devolution plans in the government's white paper of December 2024, Power and Partnership: foundations for growth

A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for Tuesday 15 November at 9.30am on local consent for fracking. The subject for the debate has been chosen by the Backbench Business Committee, and the debate will be opened by Helen Morgan MP.
Local consent for fracking (187 KB , PDF)
Prior to commencing fracking operations, an operator would have to obtain a number of permissions, including planning permission from the local authority. A local authority must notify the local community of, and seek views on, each planning application. As a final step, the operator would also need to obtain a Hydraulic Fracturing Consent from the Government.
In November 2019, the Government said it would stop issuing Hydraulic Fracturing Consents, effectively placing a moratorium on fracking. It based this decision on a report that found it was not possible to accurately predict the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking operations.
On 22 September 2022, the Truss administration lifted this moratorium on fracking. It said fracking could take place where there was “local consent”.
On 26 October 2022, the Sunak administration readopted a presumption against issuing Hydraulic Fracturing Consents. It said this “effective moratorium” would remain in place until “compelling” evidence that addressed concerns on the links of fracking to earthquakes emerged.
Local consent for fracking (187 KB , PDF)
A briefing on the devolution plans in the government's white paper of December 2024, Power and Partnership: foundations for growth
The primary aim of the Crown Estate Bill (Bill 176 of 2024–25) is to remove limitations on the Crown Estate’s borrowing powers and the types of assets if can invest in. It originated in the Lords, where it was amended. The bill will have its remaining stages in the House of Commons on 24 February.
By 2030, the government aims to meet Britain’s electricity demand with energy from clean sources. 61% of British energy currently comes from clean sources.