Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will set out a future framework for the roles and responsibilities of local authorities.

Local government is responsible for a range of vital services for people within their areas. Statutory responsibilities are set out in numerous Acts of Parliament and many of these responsibilities have associated legal duties.

The Levelling Up White Paper details the largest devolution of power from Whitehall to local leaders across England in modern times and contains a devolution framework setting out a clear menu of options for places in England that wish to unlock the benefits of devolution.

We will also establish a new independent body in England focused on data, transparency, and robust evidence to enhance the Government’s understanding of place-based leadership, quality of local service delivery and organisational efficacy within local government.