King's Speech sets out key legislation for the year ahead

King Charles delivered his first King's Speech on Tuesday, outlining 21 laws that ministers intend to pass in the next year-long session of parliament.

Around a third of those laws have been carried over from the previous sessions or already published in some form.

The speech mentioned the already existing Renters (Reform) Bill which includes a ban on no-fault evictions.

The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill will mean that licences for oil and gas projects in the North Sea will be awarded annually.

Under the Economic Activities of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, public bodies will be banned from boycotting Israel.

The Tabacco and Vapes Bill includes plans for a phased ban on smoking and will bring in restrictions on the packaging and marketing of vapes.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable ill health, disability, and death in England.

“The UK is taking a significant step forward by considering raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products and bringing in rules regulating the marketing, flavours and descriptions of vapes.

“We believe this is a progressive piece of legislation that would undoubtedly impact on smoking prevalence, and ultimately reduce rates of smoking-related disease.”

Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, chair of the Special Interest group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) said: “Today’s King’s Speech contained nothing for local government at a time when council finances are at breaking point, and local authorities are crying out for the devolved powers and funding to deliver crucial housing, transport, and net zero projects essential to “levelling up".
 
"We are witnessing a record number of local authorities facing S114 - putting vital services at risk in dozens of councils. Our members were desperate for some answers and assurances in today's announcement. It is now essential that the Government use the upcoming Autumn Statement to stabilise council finances – a vital last opportunity to help support our members”.

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