There were 26 Bills announced in the Queen's speech today (27 May 2015).

CIHT has identified the below as being of the most relevant to the highways and transportation sector. Other Bills will be reviewed for their relevance in due course.

Please note that the benefits listed below are as published and not a reflection of CIHT views / opinion.

Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill

Benefits

• Boosting growth and increasing productivity and efficiency in local government.
• Providing the legislative framework to deliver the Greater Manchester Deal and other future deals – both in large cities that have elected mayors and in other places
• Making progress on moving powers out of Whitehall and building a Northern Powerhouse

Alongside existing powers under the Localism Act 2011 the Bill would empower towns and counties, building on the growth deals implemented in the last parliament and remove the statutory limitations on functions (currently limited to economic development, regeneration and transport)

High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill

Benefits

• To allow the Government to build phase 1 of HS2
• Giving the government powers to compulsorily acquire or temporarily take possession of land required for the scheme, and construct and operate the railway.

Scotland Bill

Includes delivering in full the Smith Commission Agreement

Wales Bill

Includes powers to be devolved to the Welsh Assembly over ports, taxi regulation, registration of bus services, speed limits and sewerage services in Wales

Devolved Administrations

Amongst other measures, ensuring that the recovery in embedded in all parts of the UK, by collaborating with colleagues in the devolved administrations.

Buses Bill

To provide the option for combined authority areas with directly-elected mayors to be responsible for the running of their local bus services.

Benefits

• Provide the option to franchise bus services to areas willing to strengthen their governance with a directly affected Mayor.
• Supporting a thriving local bus market with the passenger at its centre
• Allowing cities to promote an integrated transport system, supporting the growth and development of their area.

Further details on the development of these bills including CIHT responses will be released during parliament.