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 (a) devolution and (b) local government reorganisation.

The overall case for devolution and local government reorganisation is set out the English Devolution White Paper.

The White Paper sets an ambitious new framework for English devolution, moving power out of Westminster and back to those who know their areas best. The government is committed to expanding devolution across England, devolving further powers to local leaders, those with local knowledge to drive economic growth and empower communities.

Devolution must be built upon strong foundations. That means creating clearer, more sustainable local government structures to unlock crucial efficiency savings, with more resources directed to the frontline. This reform will mean more accountable structures, making it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues, with fewer, but more empowered local political leaders, who can focus on delivering for residents. This government will not waste this opportunity to achieve stability for local government across England and increase value for money for council taxpayers, so they are no longer paying an inefficient two-tier premium.