April 2026

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Consideration of Lords amendments to the Bill focused on the scope of powers for new strategic authorities and the balance between central direction and local autonomy. A key point of debate was the inclusion of “rural affairs” and “coastal communities” as explicit areas of competence. The Government confirmed it would accept their addition, recognising the importance of ensuring devolution arrangements reflect the needs of different geographies as powers are extended beyond predominantly urban areas.

Members across the House emphasised that rural and coastal communities have distinct challenges and should be properly considered within devolved decision-making, particularly in areas such as transport, housing and local services. The discussion also covered wider issues including planning policy, local governance structures, and the role of town and parish councils within the evolving framework.

Responding for the Government, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government), set out that the Bill aims to deliver a broad transfer of powers to local areas while maintaining a flexible framework for implementation. While concessions were made on recognising rural and coastal communities, the Government maintained its position on other amendments, including planning mechanisms and governance models, emphasising the role of local leaders in shaping delivery within the devolved system.

Read the full debate here.

Government Support For Agriculture

A Westminster Hall debate led by Richard Foord MP examined the effectiveness of current Government support for agriculture, with MPs highlighting the mounting pressures facing farmers and the wider implications for food security and rural economies. Contributors raised concerns about rising input costs, particularly fertiliser and fuel volatile global markets, and ongoing uncertainty around farm support schemes. Issues such as low profitability, delays in payments, barriers for upland and small-scale farmers, and challenges within the planning system were also discussed, alongside calls for more stable, long-term funding and clearer policy direction.

Responding, The Government acknowledged the pressures on farm businesses and outlined measures aimed at improving resilience, including sustained funding through environmental land management schemes, investment in innovation and infrastructure, and efforts to stabilise input markets. The Minister emphasised the importance of long-term planning for the sector, including the development of a new farming roadmap, while also addressing concerns around access to schemes, support for upland farmers, and mental health provision within the industry.

Read the full transcript here.

In-person Banking Services

A Ten Minute Rule Bill introduced by Alan Mak MP sought to strengthen access to in-person banking services, highlighting the widespread impact of bank branch closures across the UK. The debate emphasised that while digital banking works for many, millions remain excluded, including older people, those with disabilities, small businesses, and residents in rural and coastal communities. MPs noted that the loss of face-to-face services can limit access to financial support, particularly when resolving issues such as fraud, account problems, or complex transactions.

The proposed Bill would require the Financial Conduct Authority to set standards for in-person banking provision and expand the role of banking hubs beyond access to cash, ensuring communities can access a broader range of services locally. While recognising progress through the rollout of banking hubs and alternative provision such as post offices, the proposal aims to address gaps in the current system and prevent a “two-tier” banking model emerging between those able to bank online and those who cannot. The Bill was granted leave and is scheduled for further consideration.

Read the full transcript here.

National Accident Prevention Strategy

A Westminster Hall debate led by Andrew Mitchell MP examined the case for a national accident prevention strategy, highlighting the growing human and economic cost of preventable injuries and deaths across the UK. MPs raised concerns about rising accident rates, pressures on the NHS, and the fragmented nature of current prevention efforts across Government, calling for a more coordinated and preventative approach.

Rural factors were raised, including higher risks on rural roads and within agriculture, alongside the need for prevention strategies to reflect different local contexts.

Responding for the Government, Lilian Greenwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) outlined ongoing cross-government work on prevention, including road safety, workplace protections and housing standards. While acknowledging the importance of a joined-up approach, the Minister did not commit to a single national strategy.

Read the full transcript here.

Fire and Rescue Services: Funding

A Westminster Hall debate led by Matt Vickers MP examined funding pressures facing fire and rescue services, with MPs raising concerns about the impact of financial constraints on frontline capacity, workforce levels and emergency response. Contributions highlighted growing demand on services, alongside concerns that current funding settlements may not adequately reflect local risks, operational complexity or rising costs.

Rural and coastal challenges were also referenced, including the need for additional resources to respond effectively across dispersed areas, limitations in infrastructure such as water supply, and pressures on smaller or more remote fire services.

Responding for the Government, Samantha Dixon MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government), outlined the latest funding settlement, including a multi-year approach aimed at providing greater financial certainty, alongside a planned review of the funding formula to better reflect need. The Minister emphasised that while central Government sets the overall framework, local fire authorities are responsible for operational decisions based on local risk and demand.

Read the full transcript here.

Fuel Costs: Support For Motorists

An oral questions session led by Dave Doogan MP examined Government support for motorists facing rising fuel costs, with discussion focusing on the impact of fuel duty and wider cost of living pressures. The Government highlighted measures including the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut and the cancellation of an inflation-linked rise, positioning these as key steps to maintain affordability at the pump.

Concerns were raised by MPs about the ongoing volatility of fuel prices, regional disparities, and the potential impact of future duty increases on households and businesses. Rural considerations were also noted, including the higher reliance on private vehicles and limited alternatives to driving in more remote areas.

Responding for the Government, Dan Tomlinson MP, Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury), reiterated the current fuel duty freeze and outlined broader efforts to support motorists, including promoting competition through fuel price transparency and encouraging the transition to electric vehicles to reduce long-term costs.

Read the full transcript here.

Oral Answers To Questions: Housing, Communities & Local Government

A significant focus of this session was the Government’s “Pride in Place” funding programme, with Ministers emphasising that funding is being directed towards areas identified through deprivation data and that local communities will play a central role in determining how funds are used. However, concerns were raised about whether rural areas risk being overlooked, with specific reference to warnings from organisations including the Rural Services Network and calls for more targeted support for rural community assets. The Government responded that rurality is factored into funding decisions and that allocations are intended to reach deprived areas regardless of geography.

Housing issues also featured prominently. Ministers highlighted reforms to improve social housing standards, including Awaab’s Law, alongside plans to increase the supply of social and affordable homes. MPs raised concerns about pressures in rural and coastal areas, including short-term lets, local housing allowance rates and affordability. In response, the Government pointed to planned investment, private rented sector reforms and ongoing consultations.

Read the full transcript here.