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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of giving Mayoral Strategic Authorities additional powers over cultural infrastructure, investment and regeneration.

The Government recognises the important role that culture plays in local growth, regeneration and pride in place. Mayors have an area of competence for culture as defined in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act. This recognises that Strategic Authorities can and should have a strategic role in supporting a high-quality cultural offer that works for the people and businesses in their region.

Through our work on Rewiring the State, we are considering where further powers and responsibilities could be transferred to Strategic Authorities and local authorities, as well as enhancing the voice of local communities.

Our fiscal devolution reforms will give Mayoral Strategic Authorities a share of business rates from April 2027 and a share of locally generated income tax from April 2028, replacing existing central government grants. Strategic Authorities will also be able to raise an overnight visitor levy. These more predictable, locally retained revenues will give mayors greater flexibility to align investment with local priorities, including strategically important cultural assets and infrastructure located in towns, coastal communities and rural areas.