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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the interim Combined County Authority will be responsible for determining the allocation of initial funding in the context of the cancellation of the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

We have written to the leaders of all areas on the Devolution Priority Programme, including Greater Essex, confirming that we will ensure the new institutions are able to start investing in local growth priorities prior to the inaugural mayoral election. As set out in the written ministerial statement, each area will receive an investment fund which can be used for local growth initiatives.