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

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Welsh government regarding the executive co-operation between Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent councils as a plausible model for English local government.

We are not aware of any discussions which have taken place with the Welsh Government regarding the specifics of the executive co-operation arrangements of Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent councils. With Local Government being devolved, this would be a matter for Welsh Government to consider. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is continuing to work with the Welsh Government and local authorities in Wales to deliver a range of funded programmes to support communities and local growth, including through the Pride in Place Programme and Local Growth Fund.