Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, on how many occasions he has (a) received representations and (b) had discussions with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on further devolution to Greater Manchester.

As the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, I have frequent meetings and discussion with civic and business leaders, local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and other key organisations in Greater Manchester and areas across the Northern Powerhouse.

These meetings cover a range of issues relating to boosting local economic growth, including devolution, strengthening local leadership, encouraging stronger private sector growth, and ensuring employers have the right access to skills and talent.