Ministers must “urgently provide clarity” on lack of remote meetings and standards provisions in King’s Speech, LLG and ADSO say

A number of bills with implications for local government were unveiled in the King's Speech, including major SEND reforms, new protections for electoral staff and candidates, and provisions for a standardised taxi and private hire vehicle licensing framework for England.

However, no measures were trailed on remote council meetings or standards reform.

In a joint statement, ADSO and LLG said the omission suggested there was “no ready vehicle” for these provisions to reach the statute book “any time soon”, despite previous Government assurances.

The organisations urged ministers to continue working with them and to “urgently provide clarity on when we might expect legislative provision”.

The omissions come despite the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) previously confirming plans to introduce remote meeting legislation in a consultation response published in June 2025.

MHCLG also pledged in November 2025 to introduce a mandatory code of conduct, stronger sanctions (including suspension), and requirements for councils to convene standards committees, among others.

LLG director of policy and governance Helen Bennett said: “Over 35 pieces of legislation referenced in the King’s Speech cover a host of public service provision, but we remain disappointed that there appears to be no effective movement forward either on meaningful sanctions within the conduct regime for local government or provision enabling councils to be on the same footing as businesses and other public sector bodies in the way meetings are held.

“Local government in England is still operating within a meetings framework set back in 1972.”

ADSO chair Peter Sass echoed disappointment over the lack of legislation on standards and remote meetings, adding that the “case for change is clear”.

He said: “ADSO remains committed to working with Government and our partners to ensure legislation is brought forward at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Responding to the statement on social media, Philip McCourt, Legal Director at Bevan Brittan, said he “couldn’t agree more”, adding: “There remains a slim hope that there can be room made in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to correct the legislative pendulum swing on conduct in local authorities.

“Meetings had a chance in the last bill, and we saw that held off whilst the Lords made a failed attempt to save the committee system, so now we wait with bated breath to see what might happen next.”

Adam Carey