This Tuesday, I was proud to vote for the second reading of the English Devolution and Community Bill, which sets out a significant transfer of power from Westminster to the regions. 

I firmly believe that no one knows Crewe and Nantwich better than the people living here. The new bill will give us greater ownership over everything from bus tickets to health care appointments and from education to job opportunities. 

This is something that will exist far beyond this government – a permanent shift of power from the land of far far away to your doorstep. 

I’ve spoken before on what devolution means for bus services in Crewe and Nantwich, but I’m especially interested in what this bill means for town centre development and small businesses. 

Through this new bill, residents will have a new Community Right to Buy for Assets of Community Value (ACVs). Groups will have 12 months to complete the purchase of a space before it’s auctioned out to private ownership. The idea is that places like pubs, social hubs, restaurants or shops that are important to the people who live there remain in the right hands.  

In our market towns, these measures are especially important. For Nantwich, it means the high street will keep its history of bustling independent shops and restaurants. In Crewe, pubs or retail units at risk of being closed could be saved through community ownership. 

The government is also expanding the definition of ACVs to provide firmer protections for local sports grounds, which due to their size are extremely vulnerable to redevelopment.  

With household names like Crewe Alex and Nantwich FC in the area, it’s vital that we foster homegrown talent. We know that places like South Cheshire ABC and Nantwich Youth and Community Centre also give young people a safe space to go and keep them off the streets. This bill means they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. 

Finally, this bill is going to ban upward only rent reviews for commercial leases. Up until now, smaller businesses have been locked into contracts which over time make rents unaffordable for them.  

The removal of this practice marks the end of independent businesses being forced to negotiate rental contracts that back them into a corner where the only way is up. 

We have so much to offer in Crewe and Nantwich, and this new bill will ensure we’re not held back by a lack of local ownership.