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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, when his Department plans to announce the (a) criteria and (b) timetable for councils to apply for investment zone status.

We are assessing the proposals received through the recent Expression Of Interest process. Policy announcements will be made in the usual way. Individual authorities responding to the Expression of Interest will be able to confirm time spent on preparation of submission.