Parliament Publishes IPM’s Evidence on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Institute of Place Management, based at Manchester Metropolitan University, has had its written evidence on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill formally published by the UK Parliament.
The submission, now available on Parliament’s website, sets out how Clause 58 of the Bill could be strengthened to deliver fairer, clearer, and more effective local governance: Written evidence submitted by the Institute of Place Management (EDCEB43)
Drawing on over three decades of research and practical experience in place leadership, the IPM’s evidence urges Government to ensure that the new duty for “effective neighbourhood governance” supports a plural and professional ecosystem of local partnerships - one that includes, rather than replaces, existing structures such as Business Improvement Districts, town teams, civic societies, and community groups.
Key recommendations
The IPM proposes several amendments to strengthen Clause 58 and deliver meaningful community empowerment:
- Replace the term “neighbourhood governance” with “place governance” to reflect the diversity of existing local structures and avoid institutional bias.
- Require local authorities to audit and map existing partnerships, integrating them into new governance frameworks.
- Establish national benchmarks and statutory guidance to ensure consistency, inclusivity, and transparency in delivery.
- Embed training, data access, and peer learning into legislation to build capacity and professional leadership in place governance.
The IPM emphasises that empowerment cannot be achieved through structures alone- it requires ongoing investment in people, skills, and partnerships to enable effective local decision-making.
“The Bill must ensure place governance is not only structurally defined but substantively enabled,” the IPM notes. “Without investment in local skills, leadership, and collaboration, the Clause risks reproducing existing weaknesses in local decision-making.”
As the UK’s leading centre for research, policy, and practice on place management, the IPM draws on its leadership of the UK Government’s High Streets Task Force (2019-2024), which supported 150 places across England. Its evidence outlines practical steps to turn the ambitions of devolution into lasting, place-based impact.
The submission concludes by offering to work with Government to co-design secondary legislation, training, and national support frameworks to ensure Clause 58 achieves its intended goal of effective, inclusive, and sustainable local governance.
Ian Harvey, Head of the Institute of Place Management, said: “This submission brings together the insight and experience of practitioners and academics who worked collaboratively over several months to shape our response. I want to thank everyone across the IPM network who contributed their time, expertise, and commitment to strengthening this important legislation. Each contributor is named in the submission, reflecting the genuinely collective effort behind it. Our shared goal is to ensure that every place is supported to thrive - and that the principles of good place management and leadership are firmly embedded in the Bill, particularly through Clause 58.”
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.