Written question asked by Julian Knight (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 February 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 February 2016. It was answered by Lord Wharton of Yarm (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 May 2016 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Local Government: Devolution

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the benefit to local economies of Devolution Deals.

Answer: The benefits of devolution to areas that have agreed devolution deals with the Government will be significant and far-reaching. Local leaders will be given direct control over the levers of growth in their economies, with the most ambitious deals including new powers over adult skills and transport budgets, and substantial, long-term investment funds. For example, the West Midlands will receive over £1 billion of additional investment to deliver locally determined growth priorities. By providing local partners with greater control over key policies and resources, devolution deals offer places more of the tools they need to drive forward growth for the benefit of the whole local economy.

Secondary information