Labour has pledged to devolve more powers over housing, planning and infrastructure as part of a “take back control bill” if it wins the next election.
Speaking in east London yesterday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the message, which was used by Vote Leave campaign ahead of the Brexit referendum, would be turned “from a slogan to a solution” by spreading power beyond Westminster.
“We will embrace the ‘take back control’ message,” he said. “But we will turn it from a slogan to a solution. From a catchphrase into change. We will spread control out of Westminster. Devolve new powers over employment support, transport, energy, climate change, housing, culture, childcare provision and how councils run their finances.”
He added that the bill, which would be included in Labour’s first King’s Speech, would give councils a right to request more powers from government, with a presumption that they would be granted.
Under the plans councils could request powers to curtail second homes or tourist lets, and the ability to impose a levy on hotel stays to raise revenue.
To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews
