Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Devolving Power to Local Communities

Monday 20 February 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Six new devolution deals were signed in 2022 with York and North Yorkshire, the east midlands, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cornwall, and the north-east.
  • Funds are available through the UK shared prosperity fund and the levelling-up parks fund for regenerating green spaces.
  • The Minister offered to respond in writing to clarify if there is unspent levelling-up funding within the Department.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Local Government
Context

The question addresses the progress made in devolving power to local areas following recent deals.

Question

What progress has been made on devolving power to local communities, especially after signing six new devolution deals in 2022 with £4 billion of long-term investment funding?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

In 2022, six new devolution deals were signed with York and North Yorkshire, the east midlands, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cornwall, and the north-east, involving £4 billion of long-term investment funding. With these deals implemented, more than half of the English population will benefit from devolution.

Answered
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Q2 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government Environment
Context

The MP inquires about measures to utilise access to nature targets through devolved powers.

Question

My constituents benefit from places like Ruislip woods and the Pinner Memorial Park as a means of getting to green spaces. What measures does my hon. Friend have in mind to ensure that, through the access to nature target, more local authorities can use these devolution powers to create good-quality green spaces?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

Significant funds are available through the UK shared prosperity fund and the levelling-up parks fund, which can be used to regenerate green spaces. The Minister is willing to discuss this matter further with the hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific measures or a detailed timeline for ensuring local authorities use devolution powers effectively for green space creation.

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Q3 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Economy
Context

The MP asks about any unspent or unallocated levelling-up funds within the relevant Department.

Question

Can the Minister confirm whether there is levelling-up funding within the Department that has not been spent or allocated?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

The Minister is unsure about understanding the question but offers to respond in writing if the hon. Lady writes to him for clarification.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether there was unspent levelling-up funding or its allocation status.

How: I Am Not Quite Sure Whether I Understand The Hon. Lady'S Question.

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