Capital Investment 2024-10-10
2024-10-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need for increased capital investment in transport projects after significant cuts under the previous government.
Whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing capital investment in transport. The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland and other devolved nations' ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government amid rising construction inflation.
I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask of ensuring substantial increases in capital funding was not addressed directly.
Looking Forward To Constructive Working Relationship
Negotiations Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the need for increased capital funding to address underfunding and rising construction inflation affecting major transport schemes.
The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland's ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts made to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government while construction inflation has risen to eye-watering levels. Will she ensure that capital funding for transport projects is substantially increased to enable work on vital connectivities to progress at pace?
I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask of ensuring substantial increases in capital funding was not addressed directly.
Looking Forward To Constructive Working Relationship
Negotiations Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, leading to air quality issues and disruption for residents near the over-capacity Dartford crossing.
As a result of under-investment in the lower Thames crossing project, Dartford residents face a noxious cocktail of bad air quality and disruption, living as they do near the hugely over capacity Dartford crossing. Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Treasury to ensure that the lower Thames crossing, which is a vital infrastructure project, is funded?
The decision around the development consent order for the lower Thames crossing is a quasi-judicial one. I am afraid I am unable to comment further than my written ministerial statement this week.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask of making representations to ensure funding was not addressed.
Decision Is Quasi-Judicial
Unable To Comment Beyond Previous Statement
Response accuracy