Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the press release, Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars, of 26 July 2025, whether (a) combined authority mayors and (b) the Greater London Authority mayor will be given powers over Licensing Act 2003 licensing decisions and policy.

Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, the Government has conferred new licensing functions on the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority. This is to enable a more coherent, city-wide approach to licensing decisions across the capital to support the hospitality industry and nighttime economy

The Government has also published a first iteration of a National Licensing Policy Framework setting out a strategic vision for a modern licensing system across England and Wales. This will support a more strategic approach to licensing in other Mayoralties while the new measures are piloted in Greater London.