Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

East Midlands Local Authorities and Economic Growth 2025-04-07

07 April 2025 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Michael Payne Lab Gedling

EconomyTransportLocal Government

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Michael Payne raised concerns about east midlands local authorities and economic growth 2025-04-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the east midlands suffering from deindustrialisation, lack of investment, and low public spending under Conservative management.
  • The minister announced a 1.5 billion programme to revitalise neglected infrastructure in the east midlands, with up to 20 million funding per area over 20 years.
  • Mentioned a 410 million investment for clean energy initiatives, including fusion plant development, and housing developments supporting the construction of nearly 1,500 homes.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Michael Payne Lab Gedling

Thank you for the opportunity to speak about the importance of councils to our economy. The east midlands has suffered from deindustrialisation, lack of investment and regional disparities in public spending under Conservative mismanagement. Local government is key to economic growth and essential for social and economic security. The region receives the lowest level of spending per person across the UK. I call on the Government to support local authorities more, as they contribute directly to 20% of local GDP through projects that promote business growth, job creation, and regional investment.

Other contributors (6)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commemends the hon. Member for securing this debate and highlights the importance of Government support in economic growth.

  • Adam Thompson Lab Erewash

    Supports the idea that devolution via empowered regional mayors represents a solution to problems faced by local SMEs and a route to prosperity through growth.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Cautioned about wanting a regional mayor to take power upwards, as it might ignore the priorities of local people.

  • Natalie Fleet Lab Bolsover

    Potholes are as problematic in Conservative-run Derbyshire as they are in Nottinghamshire, affecting economic growth and social inclusion.

  • Catherine Atkinson Lab Derby South

    The government's support for regeneration is key to unlocking economic growth across the region.

  • Adam Thompson Con Erewash

    Highlights the work of Erewash borough council, including solar farms and £2 million of new investments.

Government Response

Government Minister

Acknowledged the impact of potholes on local economies. Announced a £1.5 billion programme to revitalise neglected infrastructure in the east midlands with up to £20 million funding per area over 20 years. Mentioned the £410 million investment for clean energy, including fusion plant development. Housing developments will support construction of nearly 1,500 homes and regenerate urban sites. Highlighted the acquisition by Homes England of the Broad Marsh site in Nottingham city centre for regeneration. Emphasised local leadership's role in driving such projects forward. We have provided significant funding for regeneration projects in Derbyshire, Bassetlaw, and other regions. For instance, Derby will receive £3.75 million to transform priority areas in the city. Infinity Park is getting £1.5 million for a research and development facility, while North East Derbyshire receives £1 million for infrastructure improvements. The government supports local leadership and devolution, as demonstrated by investments from Mayor Claire Ward's EMCCA initiative. Future devolution includes the Greater Lincolnshire combined county authority with £750 million of investment over 30 years. We recognise that effective public transport is key to unlocking growth across the east midlands. We will continue to work towards local government reorganisation, aiming for rationalised tiers and community involvement in decision-making.

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