Local government

An introduction to the devolution settlements in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London and parts of England.

This Commons Library briefing paper summarises the main developments regarding the process of devolution of powers to local government within England since 2014.

A briefing on the provisions in the Coronavirus Bill 2019-21 concerning powers to waive legal requirements around local authority meetings.

On 18 March 2020, there will be an opposition day debate on Local Government responsibilities for public services, including social care. This page primarily focuses on social care and recent guidance for local authorities on tackling coronavirus in social care settings.

Local authorities in England spent £91 billion in 2018/19. This briefing looks at the funding that local authorities receive from central Government, and where and how they spend it.

This Commons Library Briefing Paper provides information on out of area placements for looked after children in England. It also provides information on placements for looked after children in unregulated and unregistered accommodation.

This briefing summarises and analyses the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2020-21, set to be debated in the House on Wednesday 12 February 2020.

An Opposition Day debate on Local Government Finance will take place in the Commons Chamber on 5 February 2020.

There are currently 45 operational Enterprise Zones in England. Similar policies have been adopted by the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Businesses in these small areas will benefit from tax and planning concessions and superfast broadband.

A comparison of administrative boundaries used by public bodies in England, including maps.

The debate on the Queens Speech (Motion for an Address) on Tuesday 14 January 2020 will be on education and local government. The debate is expected to start at 12.30 unless delayed by any ministerial statements or urgent questions.

An introduction to capital finance and borrowing by local authorities in England, including details on the Public Works Loan Board, bonds, and tax increment financing.