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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to undertake a governance review of the (a) Greater Lincolnshire and (b) Hull and East Yorkshire mayoral combined authorities.

In September 2024, when the decision to proceed with the implementation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution agreements was announced, I agreed with the leaders of all the now constituent councils that there would be a review of governance and geography in the third year after the mayors were elected. We agreed the review would report on the effectiveness of partnership arrangements in delivering successful economic and public service outcomes which reflect the unique nature of the Humber area, with the exact terms of reference to be confirmed by MHCLG.

The Department committed to consider the recommendations of the review in good faith and to co-operate with the newly established Authorities, Councils, Police and Crime Commissioners, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, in order to maximise the benefits of devolution, securing vital investment and better outcomes for the communities and economies of Greater Lincolnshire, and Hull and East Yorkshire.

To meet the timetable agreed to it is my intention to initiate the preparation of the review in early 2027, with the review itself taking place from May 2027 onwards.