Written questions by Jameson.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential growth benefits of capital investment in SME industrial units in former coalfield communities, including proposals put forward by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

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 coalfield communities.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the proposed £50 million capital investment in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to support SME industrial development.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 117179 on 10 March 2026.

Communities and Local Government, on what evidential basis his Department decided to end using the bespoke distribution method for the Recovery Grant.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, on what evidential basis his Department decided to continue using the remoteness adjustment within the area cost adjustment of proposed funding formulas.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to retain the existing distribution method for the Recovery Grant.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, if his Department will (a) reassess the application of the Remoteness Adjustment across all funding formulas, in the context of levels of supporting evidence and (b) make an assessment of the potential merits of its application on a service-by-service basis.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, how much funding his Department plans to provide to each local authority in each of the next three years.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to have a three-year transition period for the implementation of the fair funding settlement.

The government is carefully considering views expressed by the public, local authorities and other bodies on the proposals set out in the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation, including on the application of a remoteness adjustment, the distribution of grants and transitional arrangements. The government’s proposals will target central government grant funding to where it is needed the most, and 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 and set out details through a policy statement and in the government’s consultation response shortly, followed by the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year.

Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to make levels of council tax equal in all local authority areas; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on councils with less ability to raise local revenue.

Council tax is managed by local authorities, who decide what level of council tax they wish to set. This will reflect the service needs of each area having taken account of their other sources of income. It will also reflect historic council tax decisions taken by local authorities over several decades. The government maintains the referendum principles and authorities who choose to increase their council tax above this must obtain the approval of voters. The Government remains committed to keeping all taxes and elements of the local government finance system under review. As part of the Fair Funding Review 2.0, for example, the government has consulted on proposals to fully account for how much different areas can raise from council tax within grant funding allocations.

Communities and Local Government, what progress she has made on considering the capital funding request from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The fiscal position means that there have been tough choices to get us back on the path to recovery. It is in this context that the department is considering the request made for funding by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. I was pleased to meet with Andy Lock to discuss the outstanding work done by the organisation across Britain’s coalfields. I recognise that addressing the acute challenges faced by our coalfield communities will require greater partnership working between government and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and I am committed to working in partnership with them to explore opportunities for collaboration. This government remains committed to supporting our most disadvantaged communities. At Spending Review, we announced funding for up to 350 places. Of the 100 places announced, 15 are in coalfield areas. Details of the remaining places will be announced in due course.

Communities and Local Government, if she will provide a multi-year funding settlement for early intervention services in local government.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 40059 on 27 March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of English Devolution on investment in creative health as a solution to local health inequalities.

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the government is introducing a new bespoke duty in relation to health improvement and health inequalities. This is intended to support Strategic Authorities to be active leaders and drive a “health in all policies” approach in line with our Mission government approach.The duty will ensure Strategic Authorities have regard to the need to improve health, and the need to reduce health inequalities, in the exercise of their functions, and give them a clear stake in improving local health outcomes. This will complement the existing health improvement duty held by upper-tier Local Authorities. The government will engage Strategic Authorities, Local Authorities and the NHS as we take this forward.