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Miatta Fahnbulleh
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Peckham
📅 2024–2026
399 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 72.59% (#306 of 650 MPs)
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.00%
Written Answers
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The government is taking the time to review the Panel’s report to ensure that its response is in the best interest of communities in Leicester and beyond. We will respond in due course. Our ‘Protecting What Matters’ Action Plan, published on 9 March, considered learnings from the…
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A great strength of our national identity is its pluralism. Whether we are from England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland; whatever our religion or belief; whether we were born here or abroad; or whatever the colour of our skin, we can all embrace our shared identity, celebrate what we have in…
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As is standard practice in government policy making, officials undertook limited and focused informal engagement with selected stakeholders as the government considered the advice submitted by the Working Group.
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As set out in my response on 11 March, each of the 6 areas on the Devolution Priority Programme will receive a proportion of their investment fund to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver the benefits of devolution on the ground ahead of the mayors taking office. Per…
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The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects, processes and publishes data about higher education in the UK, including student numbers. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government supports and encourages collaboration between Mayoral Strategic Authorities, local authorities, and…
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As stated in their terms of reference, the advice submitted by the anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia definition Working Group was private advice for Ministers' internal consideration.
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Local authorities work locally to support adults and children to lead more active lives through access to nature, parks, and play spaces. We are investing in local government. The Spending Review 2025 provides over £5 billion of new grant funding over the next three years for local…
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The Working Group members were not remunerated. A small amount of secretariat support was provided by staff in the department.
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As is standard practice in government policy making, officials undertook limited and focused informal engagement with selected stakeholders as the government considered the advice submitted by the Working Group.
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The Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition Working Group members were not remunerated. Secretariat support was provided by officials in the department.
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I have had no engagement. My officials have as part of regular monitoring as per the answer given to Question UIN 120470 on 19 March 2026.
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The Mayoral Revolving Growth Fund's place selection methodology is available online: Mayoral Revolving Growth Fund: policy statement - GOV.UK. This sets out that places were selected based on:their growth potential using Gross Domestic Product per head to measure distance from UK average…
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Delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is delegated to lead local authorities who are responsible for managing the funding allocation for their area, including assessing and approving project applications, processing payments and day-to-day monitoring. As a result, MHCLG does not hold…
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As is standard practice in government policy making, officials undertook limited and focused informal engagement with selected stakeholders as the government considered the advice submitted by the Working Group.
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As per their Terms of Reference, the members of the Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition Working Group were required to disclose any conflicts of interests before they were appointed, and these were considered by the Department as part of the appointments process. Members were required to…
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On Friday 20 March we announced a major expansion of the landmark Pride in Place programme. This follows the government’s action plan for social cohesion, “Protecting What Matters” which confirmed a further £800 million over ten years to 40 more areas where social cohesion is…
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On 12 February, the government wrote to all local authorities – including in Surrey – that do not currently have a devolution agreement inviting them to come forward with proposals for a non-mayoral, Foundation Strategic Authority across a sensible geography. Delivering this over the…
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As announced in the Protecting What Matters publication last week, we are currently updating and embedding the 2024 engagement principles which will assist public bodies to not confer legitimacy, funding or influence on extremist groups.
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At Autumn Budget 2025, government committed to financially supporting the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. The extension will enable the building of up to 25,000 new homes and creation of 10,000 new jobs in Thamesmead and Beckton, and is critical to the…
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We will publish the High Streets Strategy later this year. The Strategy will be backed by £301 million investment in High Street Innovation Partnerships to help reimagine and revive some of the country’s most struggling high streets. We will set out further information in due course
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As part of the Pride in Place Programme, the Derry-Londonderry board and Coleraine Future Town board are receiving dedicated support from the Communities Delivery Unit within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. My officials are in regular contact with both boards and would be…
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The social cohesion action plan published last week, set out the steps that Government is taking to improve social cohesion. This includes the development of a social cohesion measurement framework and a social cohesion risk tool. Both of these are needed to enable central and local government and…
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Local authorities are best placed to determine the nature and scope of parking policies across their area. Through the Traffic Management Act 2004, local authorities must ensure that their parking policies are proportionate, support town centre prosperity, and reconcile competing demands for space…
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Government has adopted a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. We encourage organisations across sectors to adopt the definition and use it in ways they consider to be useful and lawful.
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The government intends to lay the Private Parking Code of Practice in autumn 2026.
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This government does not comment on specific groups. It is up to each department to carry out due diligence when choosing to engage with, or fund, any organisation or individual and, if asked, we will advise and share information to help others inform their decisions. As announced in the Protecting…
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Antisemitism is abhorrent and has no place in our society. The government remains committed to tackling all forms of hatred and ensuring that everyone in the UK can live free from fear of discrimination or violence. Work is ongoing across government on tackling antisemitism in all its forms, and as…
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The Government is considering carefully the consultation findings and intends to lay the Code in autumn 2026.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 85176 on 24 November 2025, which confirmed that MHCLG currently is not responsible for anniversaries of this type. If the hon. Member is keen to raise this with the Mayor of London himself, his office can be contacted via Contact us form |…
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The Government is aware that disabled motorists can face challenges when parking and my officials ensure these issues are actively discussed through ongoing engagement with the parking sector, the Department for Transport and other relevant stakeholders. Most recently, officials met with Disabled…
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All forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable and have no place in our communities, including that directed at Hindus. This government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and we will not tolerate anti-Hindu hatred in any form. We recently…
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Since July 2024 the Eden Project Morecambe team has continued design work. An update on potential options for the development, including their size and scale, was presented to MHCLG in March 2025. These options were subject to ongoing community conversations. In September 2025, the department…
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The Government is taking action to give local authorities and communities the power greater control over the mix of uses on their high streets. Later this year Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, backed by at least £150 million of support, to tackle the challenges care…
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All submissions to the 2025 Private Parking Code of Practice consultation are currently being analysed and the government will set out further details on the consultation response and the final Code as soon as possible.
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The government is aware of concerns amongst some motorists that second stage appeals services are not independent of parking operators because these are facilitated by the trade associations who represent their members. Last summer, my department consulted on this issue to better understand…
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The department holds baseline information on private parking appeals, provided through stakeholder engagement. The government also has a new strategy to enable the regular collection of data regarding the private parking industry, as outlined in the 2025 Code of Practice Consultation, once the…
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The Department is considering the findings of the Private Parking Code of Practice consultation very carefully and will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.
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The Government will be raising standards in the private parking industry by introducing a new Code of Practice as soon as possible, in accordance with the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.
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I recognise the excellent work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, supporting coalfield communities across the country reach their full potential. I met with the Trust recently to hear more about this work and their future ambitions. Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will support the…
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I recognise the excellent work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, supporting coalfield communities across the country reach their full potential. I met with the Trust recently to hear more about this work and their future ambitions. Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will support the…
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The Secretary of State, Ministers and officials are regularly engaging with faith, community and diaspora leaders as well as with local authorities who have Iranian constituents, providing an opportunity for the Iranian community to share how they are feeling, their concerns and any support needs.…
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MHCLG’s Community Cohesion Unit supports and promotes cohesion across England by working closely with local authorities, voluntary and community sector and faith organisations, and other government departments.Following the disorder in summer 2024, several areas in Staffordshire have received…
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The Pride in Place programme specifically targets funding to communities with the poorest social and economic outcomes, identified using a composite measure of deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)) and community need (Community Needs Index (CNI)), which can be found here. Huntingdon was…
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Responsibility for assessing and managing the local impacts of HMOs sits primarily with local authorities. Councils are responsible for HMO licensing, regulation and oversight, and for understanding how housing pressures affect local communities, including impacts on cohesion. They are best placed…
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We published Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom on Monday 9 March 2026. This publication sets out this government’s vision for a fair, tolerant and decent country and the steps we are taking to tackle threats to social cohesion.
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The terms of reference for the Communities and Recovery Steering Group (Ministerial) were published on GOV.UK in March 2025. As referenced in the answer given to Question UIN 33045 on 10 March 2025, in keeping with general practice, we do not currently intend to place minutes in the Library.
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We do not have plans to update the Index the Dissimilarity or, to produce other indicators of residential segregation.
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Strategic authorities are established by secondary legislation, which requires the consent of the constituent councils. Whilst there is no requirement to consult the Electoral Commission on the establishment of strategic authorities, including on the timing of their inaugural mayoral elections, the…
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On 9 March 2026, government adopted a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. The definition was published on gov.uk.
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Government will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities in the Devolution Priority Programme areas as quickly as possible following the consent of the constituent councils. The Combined Authorities for Cumbria and Cheshire & Warrington were established on 24 February. Legislation establishing a…
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The government intends to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation in May 2028, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Devolution is strongest when it is…
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Responsibility for the provision and management of community buildings and spaces sits primarily with local authorities and local partners, who are best placed to understand local need and demand. The Department engages more broadly with councils in Essex and the voluntary and community sector…
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Up to September 2025, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in Northern Ireland has supported around 36,000 people. Of these, 12% have sustained work for at least six months, 27% undertook education activity and 7% participated in volunteering opportunities. Definitions for these indicators are…
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I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 87636 on 11 November 2025.
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I refer the Rt. Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 4 December 2025 (HCWS1128), which confirmed that the 6 areas on the Devolution Priority Programme would each receive a proportion of their investment fund to ensure they can start delivering on key local priorities and deliver…
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The English Devolution framework and legislation set out the powers and functions to be held by strategic authorities. Where they exist, strategic authorities become the Local Transport Authority and exercise some public transport functions, including bus franchising and responsibility for…
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The Government’s Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £5.8 billion over 10 years to 284 places, with each receiving up to £20 million in funding and support. This will serve as the cornerstone of this Government’s support for communities.Eight neighbourhoods within…
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The Local Growth Fund has the scope to support economic growth in Northern Ireland through investment in a broad range of interventions including infrastructure, innovation, business support and skills MHCLG and the Northern Ireland Office are working with the Northern Ireland Executive to design…
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With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund concluding in 2026, the government is moving away from short-term, uncertain funding cycles and towards a clearer, more stable long-term funding approach through the Local Government Finance Settlement, complemented by targeted interventions to support growth and…
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Local Growth Plans are a key pillar of our regional growth agenda and every Mayoral Strategic Authority in England should develop and publish a Local Growth Plan. We intend to make this a statutory requirement through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Foundation Strategic…
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As is standard practice in government policy making, officials undertook some limited and focused informal engagement with relevant stakeholders.
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The six areas on the Devolution Priority Programme will receive both the Mayoral Capacity Fund and the Investment Fund, which is based on population, from MHCLG in 2026/27 and 2027/28, subject to the strategic authority being established where this has not already happened. Details of the…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 117179 on 10 March 2026.
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I refer the Hon.Member to Question UIN 114606 answered on 9 March.
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The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has a light-touch delegated delivery model, empowering lead local authorities to make decisions on how funding is allocated in their area. As a result, MHCLG does not hold annual project level data.However, lead local authorities have reported investment in…
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Penalty charge notices are reserved for local authorities, not the private land to which you refer. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 requires the government to introduce a Code of Practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. Private parking…
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The government recognises the importance of clean, safe public toilets. In keeping with our commitment to funding simplification, we have no current plans to introduce a statutory duty or ringfenced funding relating to toilet provision. We believe that local authorities are best placed to assess…
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The government’s Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £5.8 billion of funding and support over 10 years to up to 284 places. Each community will receive up to £20 million over that period. For Phase 1 places, funding is split 75% capital and 25% revenue. For Phase 2 places,…
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This government is committed to ensuring that coalfield communities across Britain build stronger, brighter futures. Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will deliver up to £5.8 billion over ten years to 284 neighbourhoods experiencing the highest levels of deprivation, including many…
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My department has worked closely with Northern Ireland partners to ensure the funds address the needs and opportunities of Northern Ireland’s people, businesses, and communities, contributing towards the delivery of the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy.In Northern Ireland, the UK Shared…
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In the first two years of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), covering the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24, the total core UKSPF allocation was £762,669,654. Of this total allocation, £174,447,409 remained unspent at the end of 2023-24 and this amount was carried…
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Government intends to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation in May 2028, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. The inaugural elections will take place…
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A review of the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection is underway by the Government Statistical Service Harmonisation team. A public consultation between October 2025 and February 2026 sought views from a wide range of users, including Government Departments and public bodies, to…
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My Department are working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the new Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland. More detailed information on delivery of the funding will follow.
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The Local Growth Fund will drive economic growth and improve living standards by supporting infrastructure, innovation, business support and skills. MHCLG and the Northern Ireland Office are working with the Northern Ireland Executive to design and deliver the funding in Northern Ireland, ensuring…
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My Department has held no specific discussions with North East Lincolnshire Council regarding the closure of Grimsby Central Library. In November 2024, the Department agreed a project adjustment request to Grimsby’s Town Deal for the diversion of £3.7m of funding between the Green Energy…
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MHCLG's Community Cohesion Unit works to support and promote cohesion and interfaith relations across England, through working closely with local authorities, voluntary and community sector and faith organisations, and other government departments. Several places in the East Midlands have received…
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I recognise the excellent work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, supporting coalfield communities across the country reach their full potential. I met with the Trust recently to hear more about this work and their future ambitions. Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will support the…
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I recognise the excellent work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, supporting coalfield communities across the country reach their full potential. I met with the Trust recently to hear more about this work and their future ambitions.Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will support the…
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Public bodies usually collect ethnicity data in line with the ethnicity harmonised standard, which is developed by the independent Office for National Statistics.The current harmonised standard is based on the 2011 Census questions used across the UK; those questions were updated for the 2021 and…
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My department is working across Government to deliver our manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutuals sector, following the commitment to establish a Co-operatives Development Unit in the Pride in Place Strategy.
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My department has not issued any such guidance.
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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…
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Local Growth Plans are a key pillar of our regional growth agenda, and government continues to work with Mayoral Strategic Authorities to co-agree regional growth priorities.Mayoral Strategic Authority delivery, including on investment commitments and job creation, is monitored through relevant…
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The government is committed to delivering a new Code of Practice to raise standards across the Private Parking Sector and protect motorists in accordance with the Private Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.The government will publish an official consultation response and lay the Code of Practice…
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This Government is committed to supporting high streets across the country, including those in Beeston, Stapleford and Eastwood. The Department is working closely with Broxtowe Borough Council as an early adopter of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) by providing direct support and funding to bring…
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No specific discussions have been held. The government welcomes representations from Basildon Borough Council as we develop our new High Streets Strategy, backed by at least £150 million.
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Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why we’re taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms, wherever it manifests. We work closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities throughout the UK. This includes working together with the…
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No such guidance has been issued. Local authorities are best placed to determine requirements for their own area.
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Tackling all forms of hatred is an issue of global significance. This government is committed to eradicating hated from our society, working to ensure that no individual should ever experience hatred or live in fear due to their race, religion, beliefs or the way they choose to live their lives.…
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In September 2025 we announced the Local Regeneration Fund, which brings together the Levelling Up Fund, Towns Deals and Pathfinder Pilots into a single, flexible capital pot, responding to Local Authority feedback for less bureaucratic oversight and more local autonomy. This partnership…
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Our Pride in Place strategy sets out how we will deliver up to £5.8 billion over ten years to 284 neighbourhoods (Middle Super Output Areas) experiencing the highest levels of deprivation across the country. Many coalfield communities – including very deprived Lower Super Output Areas -…
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On 12 February, the government wrote to all local authorities – including in Gloucestershire and its neighbours – that do not currently have a devolution agreement inviting them to come forward with to agree a non-mayoral, Foundation Strategic Authority across a sensible geography. It…
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MHCLG is co-ordinating cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with local government, communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues. As part of this work officials have…
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The Government works closely with faith and belief groups and organisations to support communities, and there are a wide range of potential sources of support available to them. The Common Ground Resilience Fund is providing over £3m funding to local communities in England to insulate them…
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The Government recognises the vital role of pubs in rural areas, supporting local economies, providing spaces for people to come together, and offering essential services for local people. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we will introduce a new community right to buy…
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This Government is taking action to tackle long-term commercial vacancy and to support vibrant high streets. To address business rates avoidance and evasion we recognise the importance of a system where everyone pays their fair share and are committed to taking necessary action. Our forthcoming…
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The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has a light-touch delegated delivery model, empowering lead local authorities to make decisions on how funding is allocated in their area, including setting their own eligibility criteria.Volunteering activities and organisations may be supported where this…
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The government offers many sources of support to faith and belief groups.MHCLG has allocated £515,000 this year to fund the Near Neighbours programme in England, run by the Church Urban Fund, which connects diverse communities to build trust and collaborate on local projects.The government…
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Parking operators are incentivised to become members of one of the two accredited trade associations, the BPA and IPC, as without such membership operators cannot access DVLA data, meaning they cannot pursue charges by post or provide access to an independent second stage appeals service. The…
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I wish to assure the hon. Member that this government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking…
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This government is taking action to revitalise our high streets, including tackling vacancy through High Street Rental Auctions, which empower local authorities to bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into use. This is complemented by place-based regeneration funding, including up to…
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The government values the important work of town and parish councils in representing their communities and delivering local services.I would be happy to meet the honourable member for Newcastle-under-Lyme to discuss the work of parish councils in that constituency.
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We have not conducted research on the operation of sharia courts and Muslim Arbitration Tribunals.In line with previous governments, the government’s position remains that individuals are free to practise their religion, including seeking religious guidance or arbitration, provided this does…
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The Memorial site is at the southern end of the Gardens and is compatible with the use of the gardens by the Restoration and Renewal Programme. The Holocaust Memorial project team and the Restoration and Renewal programme team meet regularly to share information, and co-ordinate plans to reduce…
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The government’s flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million each to 284 places over the next decade, including Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine. In Northern Ireland, other UK Government Investment programmes are also coming into delivery, or expected imminently,…
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We recognise the value of religious heritage buildings in local communities and the important role they play in the UK’s national story. Listed places of worship are far more than bricks and mortar; they are at the hearts of our communities, serving as vital hubs for food banks, warm spaces,…
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Neighbourhood Boards are responsible for making decisions about how £20 million Pride in Place funding will be invested in their area over the next decade. Led by an Independent Chair, Neighbourhood Boards will bring together local people, including residents and community, faith and business…
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Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why we’re taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms, wherever it manifests. We work closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities throughout the UK. This includes working together with the…
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With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund concluding in 2026, the government is moving away from short-term, uncertain funding cycles and towards a clearer, more stable long-term funding approach through the Local Government Finance Settlement, complemented by targeted interventions to support growth and…
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Any decision regarding the headquarters of a strategic authority would be the responsibility of that strategic authority, and not central Government.
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We have made no central assessment on the impact of large-scale commercial events held in public parks in London. Whilst we recognise that open and green spaces are an essential part of local social infrastructure and must be protected for future generations, we also recognise that responsibility…
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The government is establishing a £30 million fund to invest in Cornwall’s comparative sectoral advantages, including critical minerals, renewable energy and marine innovation, subject to a full business case. Funding will be devolved to Cornwall Council, in line with the…
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We recognise the unique opportunities and challenges faced by island communities, including those on the Isle of Wight, and it is essential that they are still able to raise issues with government. We also recognise that there has been positive and constructive engagement across and between Forum…
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Funding will be devolved to Cornwall Council, in line with the Government’s devolution agenda, empowering local leaders to invest in projects that best meet local needs. Final release of funding will be subject to a robust business case.
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The community will decide how to invest £20m of Pride in Place Funding in Peel Green. A Neighbourhood Board led by an Independent Chair and made up of local people will come up with a plan for this investment and they must engage their wider community. We have brought forward £150,000 of…
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The Government’s Pride in Place Programme empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods, providing up to £5.8 billion funding and support over 10 years for 284 neighbourhoods. Additionally, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will require all local…
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The Government publishes details of ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis.
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The government consulted on its proposals to raise standards across the private parking industry between 11 July 2025 and 26 September 2025. All responses are now being analysed. The government’s response to the consultation, together with the impact assessment of the measures contained in…
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This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. In accordance with the Private Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, the government has recently consulted on its proposals for a new code of practice for private parking operators to follow. The consultation closed…
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Pubs are at the heart of rural communities, supporting the local economy, providing a space for people to come together, and offering essential services. The Government is investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify. Through the English Devolution and Community…
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The Government is committed to supporting independent retailers and the high streets on which they operate. Community right to buy, which we are introducing through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, will empower local communities to bring a wide range of assets into community…
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Some high streets have become increasingly dominated by certain types of premises – including gambling establishments – which don’t always meet the needs of their communities. According to the Gambling Commission, the number of adult gaming centres (AGCs) rose by 7% between 2022…
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The Government recognises that too many high streets are facing significant social and economic pressures, including high vacancy rates, dwindling footfall and the loss of local businesses. That is why the Government committed this January to bring forward a new High Streets Strategy to help…
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The £200 million figure is in reference to the collective Investment Fund amount per year the six areas on the Devolution Priority Programme will receive once Mayors are in post in those areas. Before Mayors are elected, and once the institutions are established, government will provide each…
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Ministers and officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regularly engage with counterparts in the devolved governments on matters relating to local and regional economic growth.Engagement with devolved governments and the Offices for the Nations forms part of the work…
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Footnotes 3 and 4 of the Northern Growth Strategy: Case for change outline how the calculation of compound average productivity growth rate in the largest northern Mayoral Strategic Authorities is based on ONS Official Statistics, using subnational estimates for Gross Value Added and hours worked.
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In April 2025, the statutory gambling levy came into effect to fund the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm across Great Britain. In its first year, the levy has raised nearly £120 million, with 30% allocated to gambling harms prevention activity. The Department for…
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Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why we’re taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms. Police recorded 2,873 antisemitic hate crimes in 2024–25, accounting for 29% of all religious hate crimes. We work closely with partners to ensure the safety and…
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As is usual practice for public bodies, the data recorded by this department is in line with the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) harmonised standard and therefore classifies Sikhs and Jews as religious groups. The ONS current harmonised standard does not include specific…
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My department has launched the Pride in Place Programme, which demonstrates this Government’s firm commitment to backing neighbourhoods that have for too long been left behind and overlooked. This flagship programme will deliver up to £5.8 billion funding and support up to 284 of the…
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On 28 October 2025 the government set out its position that simplifying local government in Surrey also provides a strong foundation for devolution. We have begun working with partners across Surrey, including new unitary authorities once established, to put in place a strategic authority for the…
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On 25 September, the Government launched its overarching Pride in Place Strategy, committing up to £5 billion in funding and support to 339 communities. The flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million in flexible funding and support to 244 neighbourhoods over the next…
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This Government is firmly committed to tackling high street vacancy. Since publishing the non-statutory guidance on 2 December 2024, we have continued to work closely with the 12 early adopters and other local authorities to implement High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA), in addition to providing…
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The Pride in Place Strategy set out how this government will empower communities to reclaim their high streets and restore pride to their communities. This includes powers to auction off vacant premises, a new Community Right to Buy for valued assets, and streamlined compulsory purchase orders. We…
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The UK Government is currently developing a High Streets Strategy to help tackle the long-term challenges facing high streets. Powers supporting high street regeneration in Scotland are reserved to the Scottish government. This includes local government and planning, non-domestic rates, economic…
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The Department published its Pride in Place Strategy in September 2025, setting out this government‘s plan to create safer, healthier neighbourhoods where communities can thrive. It sets out how we will deliver a step change in how we support communities across the country and provide…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 105024 on 19 January 2026.
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I wish to assure the hon. Member that this government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking…
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The government does not engage with the Muslim Council of Britain. The Windrush Day Grant Scheme assesses all applications in line with the published eligibility criteria: Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2026 - GOV.UK. Organisations do not need to be Windrush‑specific, but they must show that their…
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The meeting was attended by representatives from Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils: Cllr Matthew Hicks, Nicola Beach, Andrew Cook, Cllr Kay Mason Billig and Tom McCabe. My Department has no plans to publish the minutes of the meeting.
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Parks and recreational facilities are an essential part of local social infrastructure. They provide places for social connection, support health and wellbeing and increase community engagement. At Budget, the Chancellor announced £18 million of investment over two years to refurbish up to 200…
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The title of Minister for the Union has been held by the Prime Minister since its creation in 2019. Responsibility for Union policy has sat across departments (including MHCLG) and currently sits within the Cabinet Office. The Department does not currently provide any direct financial support to…
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To help inform policy development, Ministers and officials regularly engage with relevant stakeholders, such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission, including on tackling religious hatred.
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With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) ending in 2026, the Government is changing how local growth is funded, as part of a wider approach comprising targeted interventions to drive growth and strengthen communities. Across these new interventions, Scotland will receive the same annual funding…
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Government and Local Authority policies are made in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.With this commitment to accessibility and inclusion in mind, through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities…
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Government and Local Authority policies are made in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.With this commitment to accessibility and inclusion in mind, through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities…
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Government and Local Authority policies are made in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.With this commitment to accessibility and inclusion in mind, through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities…
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Government and Local Authority policies are made in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.With this commitment to accessibility and inclusion in mind, through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities…
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Through our £30.5 million Changing Places Toilet programme, we have supported the installation of 483 new disabled toilet facilities across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme…
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The Government is committed to ending the use of asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. To support this the Home Office are exploring a programme of reforms to the asylum accommodation estate including work to bring back derelict buildings back into use and develop community-led alternatives.…
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Ministers are taking the time to review and consider the independent Working Group’s advice before confirming next steps in due course. As per the Working Group's Terms of Reference, a definition could provide the government and other relevant bodies with a greater understanding of…
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The Secretary of State has not issued any guidance to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) on adjusting levy arrangements or supplements in response to changes in rateable values from the 2026 business rates revaluation. BID levies are set locally through ballot‑approved proposals and are…
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I met all leaders of Devolution Priority Programme Areas on 11 December, where many areas raised concerns about their capacity to deliver local government reorganisation alongside local elections. I also met Norfolk County Council on 16 December where the same concerns were raised. A summary of the…
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The independent anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia definition working group submitted their findings for Ministers to consider. As we have made clear, Government will consider this advice in a way that protects our fundamental right to free speech. Any definition would be non-statutory and compatible…
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The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government is working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive designing an Investment Plan for delivery of the new Local Growth Fund. The Local Growth Fund represents a significant step change in UK…
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The Community Ownership Fund was launched as a competitive fund under the previous government. On 23 December 2024 this government announced the largest ever allocation of funding through the programme. This funded regeneration and renovation of a range of cultural, sports and community space…
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The government is committed to supporting local authorities to bring disused buildings back into use. Through the introduction of High Street Rental Auction powers in this parliament, we gave local authorities the power to auction the lease of long-term vacant commercial properties, putting tools…
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Opportunity East: One Year On makes a strong case for the East of England and the role it can play in driving growth and prosperity, and we welcome the efforts of the APPG and Local Government East in raising the profile of the region and highlighting its great potential. We will consider the…
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Transport in London is a devolved matter for London, and it is for the Mayor of London to make decisions on eligibility of concessionary fares on the TfL network.
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In keeping with general practice, we do not currently intend to place the Memorandum of Understanding in the library.
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MHCLG is co-ordinating cross-Government efforts to consider a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion. The Prime Minister has made clear that he is proud of our flag, which represents our history, our heritage, and our values; it is a great symbol of our nation and should not be…
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Local Authority parking is governed by legislation including the Traffic Management Act 2004 and related regulations. The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations 2007 has been revoked primarily through The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved…
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Derelict buildings can blight communities and the government is committed to giving communities the tools to revitalise them. The government is currently consulting on a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026 and can be…
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The £120 million cost estimating the savings through a potential reduction in the number of councillors does not include the costs of mayoral officers where mayors take on the role of Police and Crime Commissioners as this was not considered a linked cost of local government reorganisation.…
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Since July 2024 the Eden Project: Morecambe team have continued design work. An update on potential options for the development, including their size and scale, was presented to MHCLG in March 2025. These options were subject to ongoing community conversations. In September 2025, the department…
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The government’s strong preference is for partnerships that bring more than one local authority together over a large geography to form a combined or combined county authority. By exception, the government will consider non-mayoral devolution arrangements for single local authorities. Further…
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It is for local authorities to decide how they dispense civil enforcement penalties.Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, local authorities must ensure that their parking policies are proportionate, support town centre prosperity, and reconcile competing demands for space whilst ensuring traffic…
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A response was sent to the hon. Member on 6 January 2026.
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The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill brings a new requirement for local authorities to make appropriate governance arrangements for any neighbourhood area. The government will publish guidance to support the local authorities in the implementation of this policy in due course.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 78213 on 10 October 2025.
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Ministers from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Department do not have separate responsibility for Devon or any other council nationally, but Devon is included together with other councils for policy areas for which they are responsible. These are as follows;Current MHCLG Ministers…
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The government’s flagship Pride in Place Programme will provide up to £20 million each to 244 places over the next decade, including Coleraine. As part of the Pride in Place Programme, the Coleraine Future Town Fund board, and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council as the Accountable…
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The Government remains committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion and will not tolerate anti-Sikh hatred in any form. We continue to work with the police and community partners to monitor and combat this.No assessment has been made of the number of hate…
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This Government takes extremism seriously and we are committed to ensuring we have the required tools and powers needed to address this issue. Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society which is why countering it in all its forms remains an operational priority for our security and…
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Economic growth is the number one mission of this government. Across the country growth has stagnated, leading our towns and cities to underperform and living standards to fall. This government will drive growth and unlock investment across the country by giving local leaders the tools they need to…
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Where a mayor is responsible for Police and Crime Commissioner functions, they must appoint a Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, who works with them to oversee policing. Where mayors are also responsible for fire and rescue, they can delegate this to the DMPC. This means one individual can lead…
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The government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.Following the close of the private parking Code of Practice consultation on 26th September 2025, all responses are now being analysed, and the government will publish a response detailing its final proposals in due…
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We recognise that pubs are an important part of the social fabric of the UK, places that are focal points of many communities, where people from different backgrounds can mix and generate a sense of belonging. That is why we are introducing Community Right to Buy so people can protect pubs that…
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The Government intends to establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities via secondary legislation for all the Devolution Priority Programme areas as soon as possible, subject to the councils’ consent. Devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations, and this extra time will allow…
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The Government committed to provide up to £1 million funding for a fitting Muslim War Memorial to commemorate the immense contribution of Muslim soldiers in service of this country during the World Wars. A public market engagement exercise was launched on 31 January 2025 and ran for one month…
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All forms of racial and religious discrimination are completely unacceptable, and this Government is committed to tackling this wherever it manifests. The Government established an independent working group to advise on a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, including on how…
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The Government has announced that it is minded to hold the inaugural mayoral elections for Sussex and Brighton, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex in May 2028, with areas completing the local government reorganisation process before Mayors take office. The inaugural…
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I spoke to leaders in Greater Essex following the announcement of funding and next steps for the devolution agreements that are being developed through the Devolution Priority Programme. The Department has continued to engage closely with them since the announcement, jointly discussing the benefits…
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The government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector.Private parking operators are required to consider The Equality Act 2010, including arrangements for drivers with disabilities, and follow the single industry code launched by the main trade associations.Operators risk…
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This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. In accordance with the Private Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, the government is preparing a Code of Practice that will provide guidance on the operation and management of private parking facilities. In…
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We continue to closely follow the work of the Commission which continues to make a strong case for investment in our most deprived neighbourhoods. The Pride in Place Programme, announced in September, demonstrates this Government’s firm commitment to backing neighbourhoods that have for too…
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The government is committed to taking further action against illicit activity on high streets. There has already been a significant crackdown on illegal working, raising enforcement activity to the highest levels in recorded history. The 2025 Budget provided £15 million per year for a range of…
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The government recognises motorists concerns about the private parking industry and the existing appeals process. Under the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, a new Code of Practice will be introduced to raise standards across the sector. On 11th July 2025, the government published a…
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The six Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the Devolution Priority Programme will receive close to £200 million collectively per year for 30 years through their Investment Funds. Before Mayors are elected, and with the consent of the constituent councils the institutions are established,…
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As is standard practice in government policy making, officials have undertaken some limited and focused informal engagement with relevant stakeholders as we consider the advice presented to government by the working group.
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When setting fees local authorities are encouraged to be mindful of their legislative requirements and any guidance issued to them. The Local Government Association has published guidance on locally set licensing fees here which sets out the reasonable costs of administering, processing and…
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No assessment has been made by central government. Spend on these elections is a matter for the relevant local authorities.
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The requested information is not held centrally. My department engages regularly with Councils under intervention and continues to monitor the disruption caused by the waste dispute and the associated impact to the residents of the city.
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All forms of racial and religious discrimination are completely unacceptable, including that directed at Christians and Christian places of worship. Churches occupy a valuable position in society through their access to citizens, their role within local communities and their good relationships with…
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No assessment has been made. Spend on council elections is a matter for local authorities and spend on mayoral elections for strategic authorities is a matter for those bodies.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 97367 on 11 December 2025. Decisions on future devolution areas beyond those in the Devolution Priority Programme, including Bedfordshire, have not yet been taken, but the Department will continue to engage with local authorities about…
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In my statement to parliament on the 4 December 2025, I confirmed that Investment Funds for the six areas on the Devolution Priority Programme will amount to close to £200 million collectively per year for 30 years, once Mayors are in post. I also confirmed that each area will receive £3…
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The community will decide how to invest £20m of Pride in Place funding in Corby Kingswood. A Neighbourhood Board made up of local people will come up with an investment plan for the future of their area. This plan must evidence how they have consulted the wider community and we are bringing…
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In keeping with our commitment to funding simplification, the Government has no current plans to introduce a statutory duty or ringfenced funding relating to toilet provision.Local authorities are responsible for assessing and managing toilet provision and are best placed to do so due to their…
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