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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that Town Deal Boards operate in accordance with guidance issued by his Department.

As set out in the Towns Fund further guidance, we expect the Town Deal Board to align with the governance standards and policies of the town’s lead council. This should include clear processes for managing conflicts of interests and guidance on the declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests and exemptions. All Town Deal Board members must sign a code of conduct based on the Seven Nolan Principles and the lead council is required to publish the board’s governance and decision-making structures.

My officials have carried out governance reviews for all Town Deal Boards as part of the Town Investment Plan assessment process, where relevant making recommendations for improvements and monitoring implementation.

Our Towns Fund Delivery Partner is also supporting Town Deal Board’s through a leadership training programme which will promote good practice in Town Deal Board’s and governance structures beyond the Town Fund.