To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to return powers held by the regional assemblies to local councils following the abolition of the regional assemblies. (152303)

Local authorities will be given greater power and flexibilities to promote economic well-being; and regional development agencies will be expected to delegate funding to them wherever possible.

There will however remain matters that need to be dealt with at a level beyond even the largest local authority, be that sub-regional or regional.

The Government will consult further later this year on how to implement these reforms.