Question

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to devolve further powers to rural areas.

Devolution to local areas is important to this Government and we have a proud record - the Localism Act, the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Local Government Finance Act, and the devolution of at least £12bn through Growth Deals which provide all areas the country to build on their economic potential.

The Chancellor also announced further devolution to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which will benefit both rural and urban areas in West Yorkshire including Colne Valley.