Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer to Question 97396 on Local Government: Essex, what role Essex's Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner will be expected to take in Greater Essex's mayoral strategic authority, in the context of the decision to hold the inaugural elections for the proposed Greater Essex Mayoral Strategic Authority in 2028.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds 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.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97400 on Local Government: Essex, what discussions were had prior to the decision taken on the new date of mayoral elections on the potential impact on cooperation between new and existing strategic authorities.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds 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.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97715 on Local Government: Essex, what safeguards will be in place to ensure the initial funding for Greater Essex is fairly spent, in the context of the postponement of the 2026 mayoral election.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds 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.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97394 on Local Government: Essex, whether local councils were first informed that mayoral elections would not proceed in 2026 (a) on 3 December 2025 or (b) before 3 December 2025.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds 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.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer given to Question 97395 on Local Government: Essex, whether local councils in areas due to have their 2026 mayoral election cancelled were consulted before the decision to defer that election until 2028 was taken.

The Government has taken the opportunity to reflect on the most effective way of ensuring our mayoral institutions are best placed to deliver. Since informing constituent councils on December 3, Ministers have been engaging with local leaders in Greater Essex and elsewhere on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) setting out the significant powers the Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have to deliver for their communities prior to the inaugural election of the Mayor. We will continue to encourage close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities elsewhere in England, ahead of the inaugural mayoral elections. This will assist DPP areas to learn from other Mayoral Strategic Authorities.As the Government confirmed to Parliament on 4 December, we remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas, providing £1 million mayoral capacity funding for all areas for financial year 25/26, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years, subject to the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authorities. Government will also provide each area with a proportion of their investment funds 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.Police and Crime Commissioners will continue in their roles and deliver for their areas, and will be expected to work with local leaders in new mayoral strategic authorities once established. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire functions at the correct time. The strategic authorities will be required to comply with existing legislation regarding financial controls and be required to set up audit and scrutiny committees to oversee the work of the Strategic Authority.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer to Question 97399 on Local Government: Essex, what plans his Department has to help increase levels of public engagement with the local government reorganisation process for Greater Essex.

When we launched the consultation on local government reorganisation in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, we asked councils to use their existing mechanisms and forums to seek to bring the consultation to the attention of people and organisations in their local area. This is to facilitate the widest possible awareness of the consultation.The hon. Member’s constituents are able to respond to the consultation here.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of access to Changing Places toilets in public spaces on the a) dignity and b) wellbeing of people with complex disabilities.

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 across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that local regeneration schemes comply with equality duty by providing adequate facilities for people with complex disabilities, such as Changing Places toilets.

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 across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to increase the number of Changing Places toilets; and what plans he has to set minimum provision requirements for large public venues.

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 across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to issue guidance to local authorities to ensure that Changing Places toilets are included as standard in major town-centre redevelopments.

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 across 220 local authority areas in England. This targeted investment helped address gaps where provision was limited or non-existent. Although this programme closed on 31 March 2025, changes to the statutory guidance which accompanies the Building Regulations (Approved Document M Volume 2), made in January 2021, make provision for Changing Places facilities in new buildings other than dwellings (or those undergoing major redevelopment) that fall above a certain size threshold. This aims to significantly increase the availability of these vital facilities over time and makes accessibility a mainstream consideration in how we plan and build our public spaces.

Communities and Local Government, if he will publish his Department's analysis of any legal obligations owed by the Government to proceed with mayoral elections in (a) Greater Essex and (b) other areas in which 2026 inaugural mayoral elections were cancelled.

The Government has announced that it is minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. This decision has been taken because devolution is strongest when it is built on strong foundations. The establishment of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority would be done via secondary legislation and this legislation would set out the date of the first mayoral elections, subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament and the consent of the constituent councils.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to issue additional guidance to ensure local communities have sufficient opportunity to challenge grey belt land designations.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 26507 on 5 February 2025 and UIN 43157 on 7 April 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of speeding up local plan adoption on annual housing supply in each of the next five years.

My Department has made no such assessment as we do not forecast or project housing delivery for individual local planning authorities. We expect the new plan-making system to have a positive impact on housing supply by helping ensure there is a more sustainable pipeline of land for development.

Communities and Local Government, whether local planning authorities will be required to publish assessments of Green Belt and Grey Belt release as part of their evidence base during plan preparation.

The new plan-making system is designed to ensure that local plans are faster to prepare and simpler for end users to access and understand. The government's approach to Green Belt in England, including the circumstances in which it should be reviewed, is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is for local planning authorities to set out policies for Green Belt in their local plans in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. This remains unchanged in the new local plan-making system. When local planning authorities submit their local plan for examination, they are required to submit any supporting documents that they consider are relevant and necessary to support the examination of their plan. This might include supporting documents that form part of their evidence base. In order to deliver the homes and growth the country needs, we expect all local planning authorities to make every effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. As a government, we have made a clear commitment to achieving universal local plan coverage. To that end, we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. The government is committed to taking tough action to ensure local authorities have up-to-date local plans in place. The law provides intervention powers for the government to take action to ensure that plans are progressed. Any decisions taken in relation to intervention in plan-making are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account local circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to intervene in local plans that release large amounts of green belt land.

The new plan-making system is designed to ensure that local plans are faster to prepare and simpler for end users to access and understand. The government's approach to Green Belt in England, including the circumstances in which it should be reviewed, is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is for local planning authorities to set out policies for Green Belt in their local plans in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. This remains unchanged in the new local plan-making system. When local planning authorities submit their local plan for examination, they are required to submit any supporting documents that they consider are relevant and necessary to support the examination of their plan. This might include supporting documents that form part of their evidence base. In order to deliver the homes and growth the country needs, we expect all local planning authorities to make every effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. As a government, we have made a clear commitment to achieving universal local plan coverage. To that end, we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. The government is committed to taking tough action to ensure local authorities have up-to-date local plans in place. The law provides intervention powers for the government to take action to ensure that plans are progressed. Any decisions taken in relation to intervention in plan-making are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account local circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to prevent local authorities from reclassifying green belt land as grey belt to meet housing targets.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Questions UIN 26507 on 5 February 2025 and UIN 43157 on 7 April 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the new local plan-making system on protections for Green Belt land.

The new plan-making system is designed to ensure that local plans are faster to prepare and simpler for end users to access and understand. The government's approach to Green Belt in England, including the circumstances in which it should be reviewed, is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It is for local planning authorities to set out policies for Green Belt in their local plans in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. This remains unchanged in the new local plan-making system. When local planning authorities submit their local plan for examination, they are required to submit any supporting documents that they consider are relevant and necessary to support the examination of their plan. This might include supporting documents that form part of their evidence base. In order to deliver the homes and growth the country needs, we expect all local planning authorities to make every effort to get up-to-date local plans in place as soon as possible. As a government, we have made a clear commitment to achieving universal local plan coverage. To that end, we have been clear that we intend to drive local plans to adoption as quickly as possible. The government is committed to taking tough action to ensure local authorities have up-to-date local plans in place. The law provides intervention powers for the government to take action to ensure that plans are progressed. Any decisions taken in relation to intervention in plan-making are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account local circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the amount of available brownfield land to meet local housing needs.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 84470 on 30 October 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether the interim Combined County Authority will be responsible for determining the allocation of initial funding in the context of the cancellation of the 2026 mayoral election in Greater Essex.

We have written to the leaders of all areas on the Devolution Priority Programme, including Greater Essex, confirming that we will ensure the new institutions are able to start investing in local growth priorities prior to the inaugural mayoral election. As set out in the written ministerial statement, each area will receive an investment fund which can be used for local growth initiatives.

Communities and Local Government, whether he intends to review the voting arrangements of the interim Combined County Authority of Greater Essex in light of the cancellation of the 2026 mayoral election.

Following Ministerial and official consideration, we are minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections for the four Devolution Priority Programme places that are also undertaking local government reorganisation – including Greater Essex – in May 2028 rather than May 2026, so that areas can complete the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. Subject to constituent authorities’ consent, we will establish the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in all areas as soon as possible, to ensure sufficient time for preparatory work ahead of the Mayor taking office and allowing areas to build local collaboration. This was announced to the House on 4 December and communicated to the constituent councils on 3 December. We remain committed to the long-term funding offer to all DPP areas announced on 4 December. We will provide £1 million Mayoral Capacity Funding for all areas following the laying of the secondary legislation, and a minimum of £3 million over the following three financial years. Greater Essex will receive a third of their annual investment fund in both 2026 and 2027, and receive their full annual allocations thereafter. We will establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities as we have proposed. The Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s constituent councils will remain Essex County, Thurrock and Southend on Sea councils. We will continue to encourage constituent councils to work with district councils including Basildon, as well as close collaboration between the new Mayoral Strategic Authorities on the DPP, including ahead of the inaugural mayoral election. We are working with relevant Government Departments to ensure an effective transfer of police and fire function.