Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Chapter 55).

The Act is organized into 13 parts and 24 schedules, implementing various reforms across areas such as local government, planning, and compulsory purchase. Part 1 introduces "levelling-up" missions and establishes the framework governing these initiatives. Part 2 focuses on Local Democracy and Devolution, creating combined county authorities and empowering local leaders. Part 3 addresses changes to planning, covering aspects like data, development plans, heritage protection, decision-making processes, planning fees, and enforcement. Part 4 establishes the Infrastructure Levy, allowing Local Authorities to raise funds from developments to support area regeneration without developer negotiations. Part 5 introduces Community Land Auctions. Part 6 replaces the EU s environmental assessment system with a new framework for Environmental Outcome Reports. Part 7 sets standards for nutrient pollution. Part 8 strengthens the powers of Development Corporations to facilitate strategic development across England. Part 9 updates Compulsory Purchase rules, clarifying authorities' powers and supporting regeneration efforts. Part 10 addresses vacant commercial properties in town centers and high streets. Part 11 mandates public access to information on land dealings and interests. Part 12 includes additional provisions on short-term rentals, pavement licensing, historic environment records, governance of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, marine licensing, building safety, transferring local authority land to academy schools, open access mapping, childcare, a blue plaque scheme for England, reporting on Vagrancy Act 1824 enforcement, road user charging in London, and protected landscapes. Part 13 contains the technical provisions of the Act, including data protection, application to the Crown, and powers to make consequential changes.
To support the change needed, the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act has four overarching objectives: 1) To place a duty on the Government to set, and report annually on progress towards achieving, levelling up missions to reduce geographical disparities across the United Kingdom; 2) To create a framework to support the devolution of powers through the creation of a new model of combined county authorities to support delivery of the Government s levelling up mission ; 3) To deliver new powers for local authorities to regenerate their towns through high street rental auctions and reforms to compulsory purchase to support delivery of the Government s levelling up mission; and 4) To create a planning system which delivers more beautiful and greener homes, with the associated infrastructure and democratic support for neighbourhoods.