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Post-pandemic Economic Growth: Levelling Up
22 July 2021
Lead MP
Darren Jones
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationBrexitBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 8
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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