Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 16 December 2024 on the Devolution White Paper, HCWS316, what steps her Department is taking to end the use of (a) competitive funding applications and (b) ring-fenced funding.

The Government has committed to simplifying the wider local funding landscape, reviewing and reducing the number of grants (and ringfences), and consolidating grants into the Local Government Finance Settlement wherever possible. This will support local authorities to plan budgets more effectively and have greater freedom to deliver local priorities. We will also end wasteful competitive bidding processes and cut burdensome reporting requirements for government grants - allowing local authorities to focus on delivering services for their residents. We are inviting views (until 12 February 2025) on our principles and objectives for local government funding reform through a consultation.