DCLG outlines streamlined system to create and revoke by-laws

Councils in England will no longer need to get the approval of ministers before creating or scrapping by-laws, the government has announced, with councils instead being required to consult with local residents before changes are made.

Under the current regime, councils have to get the approval of the Secretary of State for Local Government before creating, amending or abolishing by-laws. In future, councils will be free to set, change or revoke by-laws without involving ministers, provided that they consult local residents first.

Local Government Minister Grant Shapps said:  "It should not take a rubber stamp from central government to scrap outdated local laws. For far too long, councils have had to jump through hoops just to get things done for residents. That's why I want councils to use this new power I am offering them, and keep a watchful eye out for outdated rules that will soon be so much easier to scrap.

"But people should also be free to contact their council with their concerns and have them addressed easily, so councils should also look to set local by-laws that improve their area - with no ministerial involvement whatsoever.

"This is part of wider government plans to devolve power straight from Whitehall to town halls and to communities, so they can improve the quality of their area for themselves."

The measure will form part of the Decentralisation and Localism Bill to be introduced in the next session of parliament. The DCLG said that it expected the new powers to be available early next year, subject to legislative timetable.