Public Affairs monitoring for week ending 28 August 2026

Government announces plans to expand planning powers of regional mayors

The Prime Minister announced on 24 August plans to expand regional mayors’ powers to intervene in and potentially overrule local planning objections, with the aim of supporting the delivery of developments considered strategically important to local and regional growth. Subject to parliamentary approval, the powers could come into force by the end of the year.

The proposals would apply to commercial developments exceeding 15,000 square metres, developments comprising more than 150 homes or buildings taller than 30 metres.

Alongside the announcement is an open consultation on the planning powers for mayors in England that accepts submissions until 5 October 2026.

Rail Minister responds to industry concerns over Railways Bill

Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill responded to a joint letter from eleven business and transport organisations, including Chief Executive of Logistics UK Ben Fletcher, raising concerns about aspects of the Railways Bill and its potential impact on investment. The letter called for stronger safeguards around the railway’s five-year funding settlements and greater certainty for private investors, warning that the Bill could undermine confidence among businesses investing in rail infrastructure, freight facilities, ports and other rail-connected assets.

Lord Hendy’s response said the government remains committed to funding certainty and recognised the importance of a stable investment environment for the rail supply chain. However, he argued that the Bill already contains sufficient transparency and oversight mechanisms, including scrutiny by the Office of Rail and Road, to balance long-term certainty with the flexibility required by future governments. He also sought to reassure investors over concerns relating to Clause 72 of the Bill, stating that there is no intention to use the legislation to undermine private investment or interfere with private freight facilities.

Also this week

Government

• The government’s consultation on implementing new Employment Rights Act 2025 measures to address one-sided flexibility closed on 25 August. The proposals would introduce rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts and compensation for shifts cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice. Logistics UK submitted a response calling for a proportionate approach that reflects seasonal demand and the logistics sector’s reliance on flexible and agency labour, while supporting the objective of improving security and predictability for workers.
• The Department for Transport published a summary of responses on 28 August for its call for evidence on net zero ports. Respondents highlighted concerns about electricity grid capacity, connection delays and the costs of port decarbonisation, while identifying opportunities linked to shore power, alternative fuels and clean energy investment. The government said the evidence will inform future work on supporting ports’ energy needs and wider maritime decarbonisation policy.
• Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Sainsbury’s decision on 25 August to create around 10,000 work experience and employability opportunities for young people and used it to call for other businesses to do the same, to tackle high levels of youth unemployment.
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on 27 August that 13.0% of young people were not in education, employment or training (NEET) between April and June 2026, down 0.5 percentage points from the previous quarter. However, 981,000 young people remained NEET, around 30,000 higher than the same period last year.

Devolved, regional and local

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 26 August that he will convene a meeting of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers through a revived National Economic Council this October. The summit will focus on economic growth, investment and devolution, with Burnham also suggesting that Wales and Scotland consider further devolution to city and regional level, similar to arrangements being introduced in England.
• Ferry operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries announced on 26 August that, from 28 September, all passengers travelling between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland will be required to carry a valid passport as part of new UK Border Force requirements relating to passenger data. Arrangements for routes involving Northern Ireland remain unchanged.
• Birmingham City Council is considering plans to become the first city in England with a default 20mph speed limit on roads that are not classified as A-roads or motorways. The proposals form part of the council’s wider transport strategy, which aims to reduce road danger and encourage greater use of walking, cycling and public transport.

Other

• The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) published analysis on 24 August arguing that the UK faces significantly higher costs and longer delivery times for major transport infrastructure projects than many international counterparts. The report highlights HS2 Phase 1 as the most expensive high-speed rail project in its international dataset and calls for reforms including planning changes, devolved infrastructure powers, procurement reform and changes to judicial review processes to accelerate infrastructure delivery.
• The RMT union raised concerns on 25 August over Skills England’s proposals to retire the Deck Rating Apprenticeship, warning that the move could affect the pipeline of trained seafarer ratings entering the maritime sector.

Coming up

• Parliament has risen for Summer Recess and will return on Tuesday 1 September.
• Andy Burnham will deliver a statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday 1 September, which will be the first time he has done that as Prime Minister. It has been reported in the media that it will include comments on helping businesses with their costs.

• On Tuesday 1 September, Adam Jogee (Labour MP, Newcastle-under-Lyme) is introducing a Ten-Minute Rule Motion on road safety plans in the House of Commons.
• On Tuesday 1 September, the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill is beginning its Committee Stage in the House of Lords and having its day two on Thursday 3 September.
• On Wednesday 2 September, the Transport Committee is holding its first session for its inquiry into the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.