To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her role is in approving and amending regional spatial strategies published by (a) the Greater London Authority and (b) the regional chambers in England. (152947)

Following the examination in public, the Secretary of State is responsible for consulting on any proposed changes before approving and issuing the final version of the regional spatial strategy (RSS). Once published, the RSS becomes the regional level of the statutory development plan.

The Mayor of London is responsible for publishing the Spatial Development Strategy “The London Plan” (which is the equivalent to an RSS). The Secretary of State has no role in approving the Spatial Development Strategy. The Secretary of State can direct the Mayor to make changes to the plan before it is published, but this power of direction may only be exercised for the purpose of avoiding inconsistency with national policies or any detriment to the interests of an area outside Greater London.

The SNR published on 17 July set out the Government’s proposals for strengthening regional governance and accountability including the introduction of a single regional strategy. We will consult on detailed implementation later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans the Government have to merge regional spatial strategies with regional economic strategies. (153495)

The Review of Sub-National Economic Development published on 17 July 2007 set out the Government's proposals to merge regional spatial strategies with regional economic strategies. We will consult further on how to implement these reforms.