Levelling-up Fund 2024-03-04
2024-03-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the impact of the £4.8 billion levelling-up fund on local communities.
What assessment has been made of the impact of the levelling-up fund on local communities?
We are transforming communities across the UK through our £4.8 billion levelling-up fund, improving transport, regenerating high streets and rebuilding pride in place.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The MP expressed satisfaction with £78 million of levelling-up funding for Clacton and raised concerns about bus service connectivity.
I thank my hon. Friend for his answer, delighted that we have been able to bring £78 million of investment to Clacton through the Freeports initiative. However, bus services in the area need improvement. Will he support a campaign to improve public transport connectivity across Tendring district?
I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss his campaign. Buses are the most popular form of public transport in our country and a vital part of our national transport system. I acknowledge the huge amount of levelling-up funding going into Clacton and am keen to work with him to help people in Jaywick.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to supporting specific campaign or improving connectivity
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP raised issues about delays in receiving levelling-up funding due to the government's changing timetable.
My borough, Hackney, was successful in its bid for levelling-up funding but faced a nine-month delay due to changes in the government's schedule. Given that it is a flagship programme, will the Minister look into these delays and their causes?
I absolutely commit to looking at that issue. We have introduced the project adjustment request process which can be used by Hackney council to meet any changes outlined.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The MP highlighted the strength of local communities generating levelling-up project ideas.
Does my hon. Friend agree that local communities should generate levelling-up funding projects? The Crook Inn at Tweedsmuir and George Hotel in Walkerburn are ideal for such opportunities, as they improve tourism and local employment.
I was grateful to meet my right hon. Friend recently to discuss those exact priorities. We are hoping to invest £20 million into the levelling-up partnership he mentions, and I am sure that those priorities will be part of our considerations as we design the partnership.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific support for mentioned projects
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Q5
Direct Answer
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The MP questioned the reason for delay in levelling-up funding to Northern Ireland.
Communities in Northern Ireland experienced no benefit from last round of levelling-up funding due to Assembly not sitting. Now that it is, can the Minister tell us what discussions he has had with the communities minister about making the millions set aside available for projects in Northern Ireland?
I can absolutely commit to having those discussions and offer to meet the right hon. Gentleman following Question Time.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The MP expressed concerns about transparency and use of £24 million levelling-up funding in Morley, including a controversial TV screen installation plan.
I am proud that Morley has received £24 million in funding from the Conservative Government. However, constituents have raised concerns regarding Morley Town Council's tendering process for installing TV screens and potential vested interests involved. Will he look into these concerns?
I will absolutely look into those concerns and ensure that my officials can meet my hon. Friend to discuss them further.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the success of levelling-up initiatives in improving community well-being despite successful bids.
The success or otherwise of levelling up will be tested by whether people feel better off and inequalities are removed. What assessment has been made regarding an area such as Tameside, which feels poorer due to council funding issues?
Across the north-west, we are investing £2.2 billion through our different levelling-up fund streams. We are working closely with the Mayor of Greater Manchester giving him more powers and funding to deal with issues like those mentioned in Tameside.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment on Tameside's situation
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticised national funding cuts and delays affecting every local authority in the country.
Local councils are on the brink due to policies from Downing Street, including slashed funding, delayed fair funding review, postponed business rate reset. Councils' reserves are depleted, assets sold, accounts unsubmitted, with many lining up for emergency support. Is it not time to end sticking-plaster politics and have a long-term plan for all communities?
I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman failed to mention the £20 million investment in Oldham over 10 years since 2019, and we have invested £15 billion of levelling-up funding across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the need for long-term plan or short-term fixes
Mentioned Specific Investment In Oldham
Response accuracy