Written questions by Wrigley.

Communities and Local Government, how parameters set out in section 2.2.1 of the English Devolution White Paper, will be applied to Devonshire.

In September last year, this Government confirmed the establishment of a non-mayoral Combined County Authority with Devon and Torbay, in line with the devolution deal agreed with that area under the previous government. This was an important first step as we continue to consider options to deepen and widen devolution in the area.As set out in the White Paper, we want to see all areas, including Devon, access the strongest powers set out in new Devolution Framework.We will work with local leaders, both before and after local elections, to deliver on these ambitions. This government would consider postponing elections only where the relevant local authorities explicitly request it, and where this will help the area to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe.

Communities and Local Government, for what reason the minimum population to become a Foundation Strategic Authority is different for (a) new unitary councils and (b) London boroughs.

The assumed population threshold for all levels of Strategic Authority is 1.5 million or above, but we accept that in some places, smaller authorities may be necessary.As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, new unitary councils must be the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks. For most areas, this will mean creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more, but there may be exceptions to ensure new structures makes sense for an area, including for devolution, and decisions will be on a case-by-case-basis.As individual councils, London boroughs will not be designated as Strategic Authorities. The Greater London Authority will be designated as the Strategic Authority for London.

Communities and Local Government, how she will ensure that district councils are in agreement with county councils following the outcome of the 2025 May local elections in Devonshire.

The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead in May 2025, unless there is strong justification for postponement. It is a matter for councils themselves to work together to develop plans and reach agreements that are in the interests of their communities.On 16 December, I wrote to leaders of all councils in two-tier areas and neighbouring small unitary authorities to set out further detail on our plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation. I acknowledged that for some areas, the timing of elections affects their planning for devolution, particularly alongside reorganisation, and to help manage these demands, we will consider requests to postpone local elections. I will only consider these requests where it is clear that postponement will help the area to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe. I am currently considering such a request from Devon County Council and a decision will be made in due course, recognising the need to give confirmation as soon as practically possible.My 16 December letter is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-letter-to-two-tier-areas.

Communities and Local Government, what her policy is on holding local elections in May 2025; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that policy on levels of (a) democracy and (b) devolution in Devon.

The government’s starting point is for all elections to go ahead in May 2025, unless there is strong justification for postponement. It is a matter for councils themselves to work together to develop plans and reach agreements that are in the interests of their communities.On 16 December, I wrote to leaders of all councils in two-tier areas and neighbouring small unitary authorities to set out further detail on our plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation. I acknowledged that for some areas, the timing of elections affects their planning for devolution, particularly alongside reorganisation, and to help manage these demands, we will consider requests to postpone local elections. I will only consider these requests where it is clear that postponement will help the area to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe. I am currently considering such a request from Devon County Council and a decision will be made in due course, recognising the need to give confirmation as soon as practically possible.My 16 December letter is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-letter-to-two-tier-areas.

Communities and Local Government, whether the population sizes in the English Devolution White Paper refer to (a) electorate and (b) total population.

The population sizes outlined in the English Devolution White Paper for creating new unitary councils and new devolution geographies refer to total population.

Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to implement a statutory code of conduct for parking operators that includes appropriate levels for permissible charges within this Parliamentary session.

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 facilities.This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector and will announce its plans for the new Code in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what plans she has for establishing a mayor for Devon and Cornwall.

In September, the Government confirmed a non-mayoral devolution agreement with Cornwall and to establish a Combined County Authority in Devon & Torbay. These are important first steps for devolution in the region.We have set out the framework in the English Devolution White Paper so that counties can self-organise to reach a consensus on proposals for their areas.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued a map similar to that shown in Figure 1 of her Department's English Devolution White Paper, published in December 2024 for new English Devolution authorities.

The Government has not published a map of England showing potential future devolution geographies.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 101 of the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to postpone local authority elections in Devon in 2025.

It is usual for the government to take account of requests for reorganisation, and to decide on the appropriateness of elections taking place to local authorities which are planned to be replaced, usually postponing to allow elections to the new shadow authorities soon after.I will consider any requests I receive to postpone the May 2025 local authority elections in Devon, Essex or elsewhere only where this will help the areas to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe – either through the Devolution Priority Programme or where reorganisation is necessary to unlock devolution or open up new devolution options. As I set out in my letter of 16 December to those councils, I will need a clear commitment to these aims, including a request from the council(s) whose election is to be postponed, on or before Friday 10 January.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17651 on Parking: Regulation, what options her Department is reviewing to drive up standards in the private parking industry.

As referenced in the answer to Question UIN 17651 on 11 December 2024, the Government is required by the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 to publish a code of practice concerning guidance on the management of private parking facilities.At this time the Government is not able to share any further details but hopes to announce its proposals for raising standards as soon as possible.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an independent parking regulator.

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 facilities.The Government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking industry and is currently reviewing all options on how to achieve this.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with local authorities on the level of funding for care homes.

The Department works closely with local government and other government departments to understand specific demand and cost pressures facing local government on an ongoing basis. This involves looking at a range of cost and demand data, as well as regular engagement with local authorities.These engagements have informed the 2025-2026 Settlement, where the Government is providing over £10 billion in 2025-26 Settlement funding for social care through the Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund (MSIF), Better Care Fund (including discharge funding), Social Care Grant, Children’s Social Care Prevention Grant and Children and Families Grant.Local authorities are responsible for deciding how they use available funding to fulfil their duties under the Care Act (2014). The Department recognises the significant pressures that councils are facing and will ensure that councils are able to continue to deliver the services their communities rely on.We will set out allocations at the provisional Settlement in December, on which we will consult, and we will continue to work closely with local government to review specific demand and cost pressures to ensure councils are supported in delivering essential services.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Devon and Torbay devolution deal to include (a) Plymouth and (b) Cornwall.

The Government has emphasised its commitment to transferring power out of Westminster and into local communities, handing power to those with local knowledge and who are incentivised to drive progress forward. The devolution agreement for Devon and Torbay represents an important first step for this area to see initial benefits from devolution in the short term as part of our drive to shift power away from Westminster.These benefits include funding to drive place-based economic regeneration, increased local control over transport functions and devolution of the adult education budget. We encourage the authorities to continue working together and with their neighbours to explore the next steps towards deeper and wider devolution for their area, and stand ready to work with the area and consider any proposals they want to put forward.