Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Post-pandemic Economic Growth: Levelling Up

22 July 2021 · 8 other contributors

Opened by Darren Jones Lab Bristol North West

EconomyParliamentary ProcedureLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Darren Jones raised concerns about post-pandemic economic growth: levelling up in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The third report of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee focuses on post-pandemic economic growth and levelling up.
  • The Conservative manifesto promised a programme for levelling up across the UK but lacks actionable steps and clarity on funding and responsibilities.
  • The Government have not provided clear answers on how levelling up will differ from regular government functions or its impact.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Darren Jones

I present the third report of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s inquiry into post-pandemic economic growth, focusing on levelling up. The Conservative manifesto promised a programme for levelling up across the UK but has failed to deliver actionable steps or clarity on funding, responsibilities, and impact. Despite extensive evidence gathering, the Government have not provided clear answers on how levelling up will be different from regular government functions or whether it will replace existing cuts in local communities post-Brexit and austerity periods. The Committee recommends that the Government urgently publish a White Paper defining levelling up, establish metrics for its progress reporting, form a Cabinet Committee for collaboration with regional leaders, recognise inequality across all of the UK, and ensure competitive bidding capacity for regions. Without clarity, levelling-up risks becoming an undefined policy.

Other contributors (8)
  • Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

    Question

    Does the hon. Member agree that as levelling-up is better defined, it should not lose sight of private sector contributions and innovative ideas like those from the Richard Koch breakthrough prize?

    Minister reply

    I support many points about ensuring a successful economy that delivers for businesses across the country.

  • Peter Grant

    Question

    What does he think of public money being spent in devolved nations without consultation with those Administrations?

    Minister reply

    A more equal distribution of opportunities is supported by all, and engagement in Cabinet-level discussions on the levelling-up agenda should involve all.

  • Philip Hollobone

    Question

    Why did his Committee recommend a Cabinet Committee rather than a specific Minister responsible for levelling up?

    Minister reply

    Given the Prime Minister’s personal commitment and cross-departmental nature of levelling up, a Cabinet Committee is more appropriate.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    Does he agree that this report shows that the Government should focus on genuine efforts to tackle deep-rooted inequality rather than competitions?

    Minister reply

    Competition versus collaboration in funding was crucial, and we recommend fair and equitable distribution based on need.

  • Marcus Fysh Con Somerset North

    Question

    Has the Committee looked at how a range of interlocking opportunities for levelling up require joint working between agencies and businesses, and how having one single voice can unite all work on levelling-up agendas?

    Minister reply

    We recognised an inconsistency in local and regional government tiers across England. In areas with co-ordination between these tiers, there is more success in bidding for funding. The devolution aspects are important to ensure equality of opportunity for regions to bid for funds.

  • Alan Brown SNP Clydebank and Milport

    Question

    Is levelling up just a political slogan? There is no clear way of measuring outcomes, and the funding distribution method pits Scottish local authorities against each other. Should the UK Government work transparently with the Scottish Government on allocation of funds?

    Minister reply

    We concluded that leaders in devolved Administrations should be involved in discussions with Ministers to have a joined-up approach to delivering levelling up across the United Kingdom.

  • Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op Feltham and Heston

    Question

    What are the Committee’s conclusions on fair funding for levelling up, particularly in light of the failure of austerity? Secondly, what is their view on how we should reach consensus on devolved and local government tiers responsible for achieving levelling-up outcomes?

    Minister reply

    Without a clear strategy and allocation of funds, it is unclear how communities can bid for funding. There needs to be more consistency across England in democratic structures so that there is an equality of capacity to bid for Whitehall funding.

Shadow Comment

Richard Fuller

The hon. Member agrees that as levelling-up is better defined, it should not lose sight of private sector contributions and innovative ideas like those from the Richard Koch breakthrough prize, which can boost growth in neglected areas.

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