Written questions by Simmonds.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the potential role of the United Front Work Department in relation to the planning application for the Chinese Embassy.

An appointed Inspector will hold a public inquiry which will hear a range of evidence for and against the proposals, after which a decision will be made by MHCLG ministers. As this case will come before ministers in MHCLG to determine, it would not be appropriate to comment further. Decisions on planning applications are based on material planning considerations.

Communities and Local Government, what the change in grant is in (a) cash and (b) real terms in areas with a significant rural population between 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The provisional Settlement for 2025-26 makes available £69 billion for local government, which is a 3.5% real terms increase in councils’ Core Spending Power on 2024-25. The final Settlement will increase further, to incorporate the £515 million of funding announced for National Insurance Contributions.This government is absolutely committed to tackling the issues that matter to rural communities. Places with a significant rural population (encompassing both authorities classed as predominantly Rural, and Urban with Significant Rural) will on average receive around a 5% increase in their Core Spending Power next year, which is a real terms increase. No council will see a reduction – and new funding will be available to rural areas in 2025-26 through guaranteed EPR payments.The cash, percentage, and real terms changes in Core Spending Power for rural and urban authorities, according to the classification methodology used by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and published by the Office for National Statistics, are found in the table below (please see below the table for further explanatory information).Table 1. Provisional local government finance settlement 2025-26,core spending power by Rural/Urban classificationRural/Urban Classification 2011Core Spending Power 2024-25 (£ million)Core Spending Power 2025-26 (£ million)Cash increase (£ million)% change CSP 2023-24 to 2024-25% real change CSP 2024-25 to 2025-26Predominantly Rural8,7259,1514264.9%2.4%Urban with Significant Rural11,19411,8446505.8%3.3%Predominantly Urban36,06738,56424976.9%4.4%Unclassified - no Rural/Urban classification available8,9969,3263303.7%1.2%Total England 64,982 68,88439026.0%3.5% Explanatory information and sourcesCore Spending Power has been grouped using DEFRA’s Rural/Urban Classification (RUC) 2011 dataset, further information can be found here: 2011 Rural Urban Classification - GOV.UK. There are 43 unclassified authorities which are not included in the RUC dataset. Of these, 32 are fire authorities or the GLA and 11 are authorities which have undergone restructuring since the latest available RUC publication.Core Spending Power data: Provisional local government finance settlement: England, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.For the financial year 2025-26 real-terms calculation we use the GDP deflator: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - Office for National Statistics.Further information on the provisional local government finance settlement, including the increases in grant for rural and urban areas can be found in the provisional local government finance settlement core spending power publications. These have now been updated to include local authority Rural/Urban classifications and can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/core-spending-power-table-provisional-local-government-finance-settlement-2025-to-2026.

Communities and Local Government, if she will publish a breakdown of efficiency savings made by her Department in (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has already outlined savings found as part of the Fixing the Foundations: Public Spending Audit 2024-25. This included an agreement to £154 million in savings in response to the HM Treasury (HMT) Savings Commission. As part of this, MHCLG has stopped non-essential consultancy spend.As set out in the English Devolution White Paper and Local Government Finance Policy Statement, it is our aim that local government reorganisation will lead to further efficiencies.The department will also work closely with HM Treasury as part of the Spending Review 2025 Phase 2 to identify where these should be pursued for 2025-26 and onwards.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 27 December 2024 to Question 20641 on Local Government Services: Rural Area, what the (a) cash (b) real terms and (c) proportional change in core spending power will be in each individual type of (i) rural and (ii) urban area according to the classification methodology used by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the (A) 2024-25 and (B) 2025-26 financial year.

The provisional Settlement for 2025-26 makes available £69 billion for local government, which is a 3.5% real terms increase in councils’ Core Spending Power on 2024-25. The final Settlement will increase further, to incorporate the £515 million of funding announced for National Insurance Contributions.This government is absolutely committed to tackling the issues that matter to rural communities. Places with a significant rural population (encompassing both authorities classed as predominantly Rural, and Urban with Significant Rural) will on average receive around a 5% increase in their Core Spending Power next year, which is a real terms increase. No council will see a reduction – and new funding will be available to rural areas in 2025-26 through guaranteed EPR payments.The cash, percentage, and real terms changes in Core Spending Power for rural and urban authorities, according to the classification methodology used by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and published by the Office for National Statistics, are found in the table below (please see below the table for further explanatory information).Table 1. Provisional local government finance settlement 2025-26,core spending power by Rural/Urban classificationRural/Urban Classification 2011Core Spending Power 2024-25 (£ million)Core Spending Power 2025-26 (£ million)Cash increase (£ million)% change CSP 2023-24 to 2024-25% real change CSP 2024-25 to 2025-26Predominantly Rural8,7259,1514264.9%2.4%Urban with Significant Rural11,19411,8446505.8%3.3%Predominantly Urban36,06738,56424976.9%4.4%Unclassified - no Rural/Urban classification available8,9969,3263303.7%1.2%Total England 64,982 68,88439026.0%3.5% Explanatory information and sourcesCore Spending Power has been grouped using DEFRA’s Rural/Urban Classification (RUC) 2011 dataset, further information can be found here: 2011 Rural Urban Classification - GOV.UK. There are 43 unclassified authorities which are not included in the RUC dataset. Of these, 32 are fire authorities or the GLA and 11 are authorities which have undergone restructuring since the latest available RUC publication.Core Spending Power data: Provisional local government finance settlement: England, 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.For the financial year 2025-26 real-terms calculation we use the GDP deflator: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - Office for National Statistics.Further information on the provisional local government finance settlement, including the increases in grant for rural and urban areas can be found in the provisional local government finance settlement core spending power publications. These have now been updated to include local authority Rural/Urban classifications and can be accessed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/core-spending-power-table-provisional-local-government-finance-settlement-2025-to-2026.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2024 to Question 18514 on Social Media: National Security and Politics and Government, whether her Department has issued guidance on whether a social media company adjusting network algorithms to favour a specific political candidate or party would be a donation in kind for the purposes of election finance requirements.

The Government does not issue guidance on political finance matters. The Electoral Commission, as the independent body responsible for regulating political finance, has a statutory duty to provide guidance on donations.

Communities and Local Government, what representations she has received from (a) Westminster City Council and (b) business representatives on proposals to (i) create a Mayoral Development Corporation for and (ii) pedestrianise Oxford Street.

An open letter from the Leader of Westminster City Council was published on 18 September 2024, a copy of which can be found here.Responsibility for designating any area of land in Greater London as a Mayoral development area rests with the Mayor of London. Any future proposal for Oxford Street would be subject to a statutory consultation in line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. The Government remains supportive of locally-led plans to revitalise Oxford Street and looks forward to working with the Mayor of London, local leaders and businesses to ensure Oxford Street remains a world-class retail destination.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to amend the guidance entitled Illustrative text for local code of conduct, last updated on 20 September 2013, to include a free speech protection clause.

I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 20985 on 9 January 2025, which states that government has launched a consultation on a range of proposals to strengthen the local government standards regime. This includes proposals for the possible introduction of a mandatory minimum code of conduct for local authorities in England.The results of this consultation will help to inform any policy or legislative change with respect to local government codes of conduct.

Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to make changes to the council tax social care precept prior to the conclusions of the Casey Commission on social care.

The government has no plans to change the adult social care precept. However, on 8 January, the government laid regulations which will change how billing authorities include information on the Adult Social Care precept on council tax bills from 2025/26. This is a presentational change to council tax bills and has no effect on the overall operation of the precept.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 16 December 2024 on the Devolution White Paper, HCWS316, what steps her Department is taking to end the use of (a) competitive funding applications and (b) ring-fenced funding.

The Government has committed to simplifying the wider local funding landscape, reviewing and reducing the number of grants (and ringfences), and consolidating grants into the Local Government Finance Settlement wherever possible. This will support local authorities to plan budgets more effectively and have greater freedom to deliver local priorities. We will also end wasteful competitive bidding processes and cut burdensome reporting requirements for government grants - allowing local authorities to focus on delivering services for their residents. We are inviting views (until 12 February 2025) on our principles and objectives for local government funding reform through a consultation.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 20283 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if the (a) Chinese Embassy (b) the Chinese Government and (c) its representatives discussed the Chinese Embassy planning application via correspondence.

Prior to the application being called in, there was no such correspondence. Following call in, there has been correspondence between the Planning Inspectorate and interested parties ahead of the forthcoming public inquiry.

Communities and Local Government, how many households are being supported in each local authority area by sponsors receiving thank you payments under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The latest data on the number of thank you payments made between April 2024 and June 2024 is published here:Annex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (England) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Wales) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Scotland) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Northern Ireland) - GOV.UKBefore implementing the changes to thank you payments we fully considered the impact on homelessness. We recognise the importance of continued sponsorship for local authorities as a tool to ease pressures on the system, including on homelessness and temporary accommodation in local areas. Providing £350 a month to all sponsors means we are able to extend this support for 18-months under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, supporting guests to remain in sponsorship and reducing their risk of homelessness. Councils also continue to receive a tariff payment of £5,900 per Homes for Ukraine arrival, and councils have the flexibility to use this funding as best suits the local area which could include supporting guests to access privately rented accommodation.We continue to closely monitor the homelessness pressures relating to Ukrainian homelessness and separately publish statistics here: Homelessness management information - Ukrainian nationals: England - GOV.UK.Our Homes for Ukraine Equality Impact Assessment was updated to reflect MHCLG policy changes made. Potential environmental and all other impacts of the policy were also considered.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to payments for the Homes for Ukraine scheme on (a) homelessness and (b) temporary accommodation.

The latest data on the number of thank you payments made between April 2024 and June 2024 is published here:Annex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (England) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Wales) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Scotland) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Northern Ireland) - GOV.UKBefore implementing the changes to thank you payments we fully considered the impact on homelessness. We recognise the importance of continued sponsorship for local authorities as a tool to ease pressures on the system, including on homelessness and temporary accommodation in local areas. Providing £350 a month to all sponsors means we are able to extend this support for 18-months under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, supporting guests to remain in sponsorship and reducing their risk of homelessness. Councils also continue to receive a tariff payment of £5,900 per Homes for Ukraine arrival, and councils have the flexibility to use this funding as best suits the local area which could include supporting guests to access privately rented accommodation.We continue to closely monitor the homelessness pressures relating to Ukrainian homelessness and separately publish statistics here: Homelessness management information - Ukrainian nationals: England - GOV.UK.Our Homes for Ukraine Equality Impact Assessment was updated to reflect MHCLG policy changes made. Potential environmental and all other impacts of the policy were also considered.

Communities and Local Government, whether an (a) Impact Assessment and (b) Equality Impact Assessment was produced for changes to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The latest data on the number of thank you payments made between April 2024 and June 2024 is published here:Annex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (England) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Wales) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Scotland) - GOV.UKAnnex A: Homes for Ukraine local authority funding allocations April 2024 to June 2024 (Northern Ireland) - GOV.UKBefore implementing the changes to thank you payments we fully considered the impact on homelessness. We recognise the importance of continued sponsorship for local authorities as a tool to ease pressures on the system, including on homelessness and temporary accommodation in local areas. Providing £350 a month to all sponsors means we are able to extend this support for 18-months under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, supporting guests to remain in sponsorship and reducing their risk of homelessness. Councils also continue to receive a tariff payment of £5,900 per Homes for Ukraine arrival, and councils have the flexibility to use this funding as best suits the local area which could include supporting guests to access privately rented accommodation.We continue to closely monitor the homelessness pressures relating to Ukrainian homelessness and separately publish statistics here: Homelessness management information - Ukrainian nationals: England - GOV.UK.Our Homes for Ukraine Equality Impact Assessment was updated to reflect MHCLG policy changes made. Potential environmental and all other impacts of the policy were also considered.

Communities and Local Government, if she will publish any correspondence sent to councils on local government restructuring since 16 December 2024.

I wrote immediately after the publication of the English Devolution White Paper on 16 December to leaders of all councils in areas where there is a two-tier structure of local government, and to leaders of neighbouring unitary councils. My letter set out further details on the Government's ambitions for local government reorganisation and next steps in the process of moving to simpler structures in all those areas. I will make arrangements for that letter to be published on gov.uk shortly. I will write to this group again by the end of January to invite unitary proposals for their area.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the policies set out in her Department’s policy paper entitled Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees, published on 9 December 2024, on local democracy.

The government believe that planning committees have an integral role in providing local democratic oversight of planning decisions. It is however vital that in exercising that democratic oversight, planning committees operate as effectively as possible.The government’s planning reform working paper on planning committees invites views on a range of proposals designed to support better decision making in the planning system. If we determine to take forward any of the proposals in question, each of which would require primary legislation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, they would be the subject of further detailed consultation in the normal way – in particular where necessary to underpin secondary legislation following passage of the Bill.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees, published on 9 December 2024, whether it is her policy that Councillors would have a role in determining a reserved matters application where the outline approval was compliant with the Local Plan but a reserved matter may not be.

The government’s planning reform working paper on planning committees invites views on three options for a national scheme of delegation. If we determine to take forward any of those options, each of which would require primary legislation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, they would be the subject of further detailed consultation in the normal way – in particular where necessary to underpin secondary legislation following passage of the Bill.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to policy paper entitled Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees, published on 9 December 2024, which individual would decide whether or not an application was compliant with a Local Plan; and what the process would be in the event of a disagreement on that matter, when deciding whether or not to delegate to planning officers.

The government’s planning reform working paper on planning committees invites views on three options for a national scheme of delegation. If we determine to take forward any of those options, each of which would require primary legislation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, they would be the subject of further detailed consultation in the normal way – in particular where necessary to underpin secondary legislation following passage of the Bill.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department’s policy paper entitled Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees, published on 9 December 2024, what say ward councillors would have on a planning application in their ward; where they disagreed with the decision of the planning officer; and whether they could call-in the matter to a planning committee.

The government’s planning reform working paper on planning committees invites views on three options for a national scheme of delegation. If we determine to take forward any of those options, each of which would require primary legislation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, they would be the subject of further detailed consultation in the normal way – in particular where necessary to underpin secondary legislation following passage of the Bill.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Prime Minister’s Oral Statement of 21 November 2024 on G20 and COP29 Summits, Official Report, columns 371-373 and pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2024, to Question 14996, on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, whether the Prime Minister has had discussions with her on the planning application for the proposed Chinese Embassy between 23 August and 18 October 2024.

The decision to call in the planning application for the proposed Chinese Embassy was made by the Deputy Prime Minister, in line with current policy on call-in.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 23 of the King’s Speech Background Briefing Notes, published by the Prime Minister's Office on 17 July 2024, whether strategic planning will operate at the combined authority level.

Yes. The Government is proposing that all combined authorities will oversee the development and agreement of strategic plans for their areas. This will be formalised in legislation.