Regional Economic Inequality 2024-05-07
2024-05-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The cross-party Public Accounts Committee has highlighted issues with the transparency of levelling-up funds, including changing rules for funding applications.
What recent fiscal steps have been taken to help reduce regional economic inequalities? The Government's levelling-up funds faced a 'worrying lack of transparency', and 55 local authorities were rejected without advance notice that their bids had no chance. Will the Minister apologise?
We implemented £15 billion of support for communities outside London and the south-east, leading to higher median pay growth in these regions. There is a robust methodology for selecting places for funding.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not apologise but discussed general success of levelling-up funds
Under Review
Robust Methodology
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Darlington economic campus has exceeded initial employee targets and is expected to provide over 1,500 roles in the constituency.
What assessment has been made of the Darlington economic campus's contribution to reducing regional inequalities and supporting the levelling-up agenda?
The campus is an important part of our Government estate, creating jobs. It benefits from £22 million town deal funding and £6 million shared prosperity fund support.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct assessment but highlighted funding contributions
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Victims of Legacy funeral directors selling fake plans are struggling to pay for proper funerals due to inability to reclaim funds.
Do banks need to offer more discretion when dealing with victims of such fraud, and will the Minister meet me to discuss this specific case further?
I am sorry for the circumstances described. The Economic Secretary will meet with Emma Hardy regarding this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Coastal areas face long-term economic inequalities and require continued investment for job creation.
Could the Minister outline plans for bringing forward further schemes to support coastal communities like Cleethorpes in terms of funding and jobs?
We acknowledge the specific challenges coastal areas face. Funding includes shared prosperity fund, levelling-up fund, towns fund, 13 devolution deals, investment zones and freeports.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not outline specific future funding schemes but mentioned existing initiatives
Response accuracy