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 Government press release entitled Historic council housebuilding comeback to help families into secure homes, published on 24 August 2026, what discussions have taken place with representatives of Essex County Council, Basildon Council, and Thurrock Council on ensuring that Essex can access housing investment on an equivalent basis to established mayoral areas.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 1 September 2026 (HCWS299).