Regional Economic Inequalities Fiscal Steps 2024-02-06
2024-02-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of fiscal measures addressing regional disparities, particularly in Cambridge.
What recent fiscal steps have been taken to help tackle regional economic inequalities? I am concerned that by their own measures, the Government are failing on almost half of their levelling-up missions in the east of England. The Cambridge sub-region, a net contributor to the Exchequer, has vital transport projects on hold or awaiting finance.
This Government are committed to levelling up by boosting growth, raising living standards and spreading opportunity throughout the country in several different ways. The hon. Gentleman talks about giving more power to local areas, and he will know that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is getting a £97 million devolution deal. He will also know that Cambridge received some £14 million as part of the shared prosperity fund to spend on local projects.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about stopping Treasury stalling and giving power back to regions was not directly addressed.
Committed To Levelling Up
Cambridgeshire And Peterborough Combined Authority Is Getting A £97 Million Devolution Deal
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about transport projects in the Cambridge sub-region, a net contributor to the Exchequer, facing delays and needing finance.
By their own measures, the Government are failing on almost half of their levelling-up missions in the east of England. Meanwhile, the Cambridge sub-region has vital transport projects on hold or awaiting finance. When will the Treasury stop stalling growth and give power back to the regions, which know best what needs to be done in their area?
This Government are committed to levelling up by boosting growth, raising living standards and spreading opportunity throughout the country in several different ways. The hon. Gentleman talks about giving more power to local areas, and he will know that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is getting a £97 million devolution deal. He will also know that Cambridge received some £14 million as part of the shared prosperity fund to spend on local projects.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about stopping Treasury stalling and giving power back to regions was not directly addressed.
Committed To Levelling Up
Cambridgeshire And Peterborough Combined Authority Is Getting A £97 Million Devolution Deal
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the role of SMEs in reducing regional inequality and commends the Government for the recovery loan scheme.
The way to reduce regional inequality is to ensure that growth happens everywhere across the country. One way to do that is to support small and medium-sized enterprises and community enterprises, which are particularly located in under-served regions. I commend the Government for the recovery loan scheme, which has been a lifeline to many small businesses and community enterprises. Can the Minister tell us whether that scheme is likely to be renewed? Hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment is waiting on the Government to make a decision.
My hon. Friend has a long history as a great champion for community organisations. I will write to him on his specific question.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about the renewal of the recovery loan scheme was not addressed.
Long History
Write To Him
Response accuracy