On 10 May, HRH the Prince of Wales delivered the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, which set out the Government’s upcoming legislative agenda. The Government outlined its intention to introduce 38 bills in the upcoming session. A full list of the announcements can be read here.

Proposals that are likely to be of particular interest to CTG members include:

• The Government’s intention to introduce a Non-Domestic Rating Bill to “review and create a fairer, more accurate business rates system” in England and to “support businesses and employees to enhance productivity and energy efficiency by making improvements to their place of work.”
• The creation of “a locally set, non-negotiable levy to deliver the infrastructure that communities need, such as housing, schools, GPs and new roads” (regarding development) in the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill.
• A Data Reform Bill to replace aspects of EU rules on data protection.
• A Brexit Freedoms Bill to give ministers new powers to overhaul EU laws that were copied over after the UK left the EU.
• A Procurement Bill to replace EU rules on how the government buys services from the private sector.