Devolution News and Updates
The latest news stories and updates from the RSN relating to devolution across England.
26 May 2026
New Neighbourhood Guarantee Aims To Improve Local Services
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Read more
29 Apr 2026
Combined authorities and the rural lens: Establishing the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce
Presentation by Professor Jeremy Phillipson, Director and Melanie Thompson-Glen, Head of Business and Innovation, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise
Read more
27 Apr 2026
Rural And Coastal Communities Backed In Devolution Bill
The House of Lords has reinstated a key amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, introducing a specific competence on rural affairs for the new Strategic Authorities set...
Read more
30 Mar 2026
Devolution Bill Debates Focus On Scrutiny And Accountability
Peers have continued detailed discussions on the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, with recent debates focusing on how new powers will work in practice, and who will hold...
Read more
09 Mar 2026
RSN Highlights Rural Challenges In Devolution Inquiry
The Rural Services Network’s Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, recently gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry exploring how rural communities fit within the Government’s devolution agenda. The session formed part of...
Read more
29 Jan 2026
Will Devolution Deliver for Rural Communities? New Research Released
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards. At English...
Read more
19 Jan 2026
Rural Amendments Head to Lords Committee Stage
Following our recent coverage of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s call for stronger rural recognition in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we wanted to share a short update...
Read more
08 Dec 2025
Will Devolution Deliver For Rural Communities?
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national...
Read more
24 Nov 2025
RTPI Calls for Rural Focus in English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published an amendment briefing calling for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to explicitly recognise and address the needs of rural communities....
Read more
08 Sep 2025
Community Right To Buy A Step Closer Following Parliamentary Vote
The English Devolution Bill, which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now...
Read more