Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Lobbying

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2026, to Question 113631, on West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Lexington Communications, and of 12 March 2026, to Question 117739, on Local Government: Lobbying, if the departmental Accounting Officer will undertake an assessment of whether departmental funding to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is being spent in a manner which is compliant with HM Treasury guidance of Managing Public Money by hiring a lobbying firm to lobby the government.

Answer: MHCLG is not aware of West Yorkshire Combined Authority breaching any grant conditions in relation to funds it provides. Mayoral Strategic Authorities are expected to follow the existing principles and processes described in the English Devolution Accountability Framework and Scrutiny Protocol, which sets out how Mayors will be held to account by central government, at local level and by the public. This includes a duty to ensure value for money.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124729
Session: 2024-26
Related items: West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Lexington Communications
Monday, 2 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Local Government: Lobbying
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Contracts Finance Local government Lobbying West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk