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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to progress strategic devolution in Somerset with (a) Wiltshire, (b) Dorset and (c) other neighbouring counties.

We are launching the Devolution Priority Programme, aiming to deliver new Strategic Authorities and see a new wave of Mayors elected in May 2026. Regions interested in joining the Devolution Priority Programme have written to government to express their interest. We are now reviewing proposals and expect to confirm places on the Programme shortly.

However, I recognise that not all areas will be ready to move at such a pace towards mayoral devolution, and I look forward to working with such areas to help them to realise the benefits of devolution in due course.