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UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Rural Areas
11 May 2022
Lead MP
Alicia Kearns
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
TransportCulture, Media & SportScience & TechnologyAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Alicia Kearns raised concerns about uk shared prosperity fund: rural areas in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP for Rutland and Melton highlighted that rural areas are often overlooked in discussions about levelling up. She emphasised the challenges faced by rural communities, including higher costs of delivering services, hidden poverty, and barriers to social mobility. The speech also covered funding disparities between counties like Leicestershire and Surrey, the need for a rural capital investment fund, and the importance of digital connectivity and transport infrastructure. The MP called for fairer funding for local authorities, improved health services, and investments in tourism and heritage.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Agreed with the need to support rural communities and highlighted the challenges of connectivity in his constituency.
Jane Hunt
Con
Loughborough
Raised concerns about local government funding and the shared prosperity fund's limitations, advocating for fairer allocations.
William Wragg
Con
Hazel Grove
Supported the need for more GPs in rural areas and acknowledged efforts to secure a second GP practice in Melton Mowbray.
Government Response
TransportCulture, Media & SportScience & TechnologyAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government
Government Response
The Minister congratulated the lead MP on her speech and highlighted several positive initiatives for Rutland and Melton. He acknowledged funding disparities but emphasised the flexibility of the UK shared prosperity fund, which recognises rural challenges and provides local control over spending priorities. The Minister also detailed investments in broadband connectivity, health services, and new funds aimed at regenerating towns and villages. He assured that these measures will empower local leaders to address specific needs such as digital infrastructure, transport, and community events. Additionally, he announced the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill addressing GP surgeries and infrastructure funding for development projects.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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