Written questions by Thornberry.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to support inner-London councils following the Fair Funding Review 2.0.

The government has been listening closely to the views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation. No final decisions on the outcome of the review have yet been taken. However, the government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most. Subject to consultation, the proposals set out mean that the most relatively deprived places, which on average have higher levels of child poverty, will have more income than the least deprived places. The vast majority of councils with social care responsibilities will see their Core Spending Power increase in real terms over the multi-year Settlement. We will publish further information in the government’s consultation response in Autumn, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 on levels of child poverty in Islington.

The government has been listening closely to the views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation. No final decisions on the outcome of the review have yet been taken. However, the government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most. Subject to consultation, the proposals set out mean that the most relatively deprived places, which on average have higher levels of child poverty, will have more income than the least deprived places. The vast majority of councils with social care responsibilities will see their Core Spending Power increase in real terms over the multi-year Settlement. We will publish further information in the government’s consultation response in Autumn, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 changes to inner-London council's funding on (a) London and (b) the UK's economic growth.

The government has been listening closely to the views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation. No final decisions on the outcome of the review have yet been taken. However, the government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most. Subject to consultation, the proposals set out mean that the most relatively deprived places, which on average have higher levels of child poverty, will have more income than the least deprived places. The vast majority of councils with social care responsibilities will see their Core Spending Power increase in real terms over the multi-year Settlement. We will publish further information in the government’s consultation response in Autumn, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question 9072 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Ministers' Private Offices, how much was spent on (a) new furniture and fittings and (b) other refurbishment of Ministerial offices in her Department between 4 July 2022 and 4 July 2024; and on what items this was spent.

Between 4th July 2022 and 4th July 2024, £12,128.11 was spent on new furniture and fittings in Ministerial Offices and a breakdown of costs is below: Item/ PlaceCost (£)Bookcase£7,581.41TV Installation£607.23Supply and install 2 x 2 seater sofa£3,818.19Supply and install gromet and cable tray£121.28Total£12,128.11 There were no costs on the refurbishment of these Ministerial office during this period.

Communities and Local Government, how many government procurement cards were held by staff within (a) her core Department and (b) executive agencies of her Department at the end of calendar years (i) 2022 and (ii) 2023.

As of 31 December 2022, 18 government procurement cards were held by staff within the core Department; 27 by staff at the Planning Inspectorate; 6 at the QEII Centre.As of 31 December 2023, 25 government procurement cards were held by staff within the core Department; 28 by staff at the Planning Inspectorate; 6 at the QEII Centre.

Communities and Local Government, how much her Department spent on government procurement card purchases (a) above and (b) below £500 net of refunded payments in (i) 2022 and (ii) 2023.

Details of the department spend on government procurement cards can be found here.