Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Devolution in England

Monday 10 July 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Randall inquired about steps being taken to increase devolution in England, noting significant progress but seeking more specific measures and ambitions.
  • The Minister highlighted five mayoral devolution deals announced in the past year affecting over half of England's population, including a deal involving East Riding council.
  • Matt Western questioned whether the public should have a say on a potential merger under the levelling-up Bill given the West Midlands Combined Authority's second-worst growth figures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Randall
Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about steps being taken to increase devolution in England, given the historical context of underfunding and underrepresentation.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to increase devolution in England. The MP notes significant progress but seeks more details on specific measures and ambitions for further devolution deals.

Answer from Michael Gove

We have made significant progress in extending English devolution, with five mayoral devolution deals announced in the past year which will affect over half of England's population. The most recent deal involves East Riding council under Anne Handley.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify concrete steps or ambitions for further devolution beyond announcements and deals.

How: Shifting Focus To Recent Achievements

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Q2 Tom Randall
Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The MP attended a session of the all-party parliamentary group on east midlands' inquiry into investment in the region, which highlighted the need for sharp leadership to drive change. The MP references a candidate from Mansfield who could fill this role.

Question

Last week I attended an evidence session for the all-party parliamentary group on the east midlands' inquiry into investment in the region; business leaders said it needs someone with sharp elbows to push for meaningful devolution, like Andy Street has done for the west midlands. Can my right hon Friend commit to giving those powers?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon Friend makes a very good point; there is someone from Mansfield who would be an outstanding metro Mayor for the east midlands and we should give him all the power he needs. Andy Street has done well in the west midlands, and Ben Bradley could do similarly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the point but does not provide a concrete commitment to giving East Midlands powers similar to those of West Midlands.

How: Shifting Focus To Leadership Potential

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Local Government
Context

The MP points out that according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the West Midlands Combined Authority is underperforming in terms of growth figures compared to others. The proposed merger with Warwickshire's combined authority has raised public concerns.

Question

According to PWC, the West Midlands Combined Authority that Andy Street presides over is second worst for growth figures; should the public not have a say on any potential merger under the levelling-up Bill given these circumstances?

Answer from Michael Gove

I have great respect for the hon Gentleman but why doubt Warwickshire's ability to compete on a global stage as part of the West Midlands CA? Andy Street has done well on housing targets, unlike Labour's Sadiq Khan in London.

Not addressed: The answer does not address whether the public should have a say in the proposed merger.

How: Challenging The Questioner'S Premise, Comparing Performance To Other Areas

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