Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to pages 23 to 24 of the policy paper entitled, King's Speech 2024: background briefing notes, published by the Prime Minister's Office on 17 July 2024, on the proposed English Devolution Bill, whether she plans to enable local leaders to request additional powers to levy new local (a) taxes and (b) other charges.

We will ensure that local leaders have access to the right levers to deliver economic growth in their areas and are reviewing existing arrangements to ensure they support our growth agenda and manifesto commitments. As the Bill will primarily focus on devolution of powers from Whitehall to our mayors and combined authorities, and other matters, no presumption should be made on the application of new taxes or changes at such an early stage. Stakeholders and MPs will be fully engaged during the Bill process.