As an MP representing a district area and a former district councillor, I strongly believe districts have a vital role to play over the next few years in shaping and delivering the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

Through innovative approaches to collaboration and devolution, district councils have an unrivalled understanding of what is required to shape local industrial strategies and deliver local economic growth across England. In many areas, this is already happening.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for district councils, of which I am chair, has carried out a formal inquiry into district council collaboration and devolution.