Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to Question 21878 answered on 22 September 2026 On the Productivity Gap in the East Midlands, what recent conversations he has had with [i] local political leaders [ii] local educational leaders and [iii] local business community about developing place-based growth in [a] Leicestershire and [b] Hinckley and Bosworth constituency.

Growth in every postcode is one of the Government’s key priorities. The Government is committed to working with local leaders, educational institutions and businesses to unlock the potential of places across the UK, including through greater local decision-making and support for investment and innovation.

In his speech on 7 September, the Chancellor specifically highlighted Leicestershire as an example of where local leaders, universities, investors and businesses have helped create clusters of innovation. He made clear the Government’s ambition to support local leaders to boost private investment and deliver growth that reflects local needs.

The Government’s ambition is that every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028.

The Government has written to all areas without Mayoral devolution, including Leicestershire, seeking confirmation of their devolution ambitions and preference for mayoral devolution.

As part of this wider engagement, on 21 August I met with the Mayor of the East Midlands, alongside the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and other regional mayors for a discussion on devolution and place-based growth .