The new Localism Act for England has received the Royal Assent. It introduces a general power of competence, giving councils freedoms to do anything as long as they do not break other laws. It also:

 

• Transfers regeneration powers to major cities
• Gives councils greater control over business rates, and allows them to introduce discounts to help attract investment
• Allows councils to keep the rent they collect and use it locally to maintain social homes through the abolition of the housing revenue account
• Introduces a new Right to Bid, allowing residents to take over local assets like shops and pubs and keep them part of local life
• Introduces a new right to draw up a neighbourhood plan, giving local people a voice in saying where they think new houses, businesses and shops should go
• Enables communities to bring forward proposals for development they want - such as homes, shops, playgrounds or meeting halls, through the Community Right to Build
• Requires developers to consult local communities before submitting certain applications.