Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is assessing the impact of the towns fund on local communities.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the towns fund on local communities?
As part of their town investment plan, places were required to consult extensively with local communities and to evidence how this feedback shaped their plan. The impact of the towns fund on local communities is also a crucial part of the towns fund impact evaluation, to be published in early 2026.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided no specific commitment or timeline regarding the assessment's findings.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about the use of an additional £20 million for King's Lynn's town investment plan.
Can my hon. Friend confirm that the very welcome extra £20 million through the long-term plan for towns can be used to complement existing projects and secure other investments?
I thank my hon. Friend for his commitment to levelling up in King's Lynn and across Norfolk. Our long-term plan for towns puts power back into the hands of local people. Each town must set up a new town board, comprised of local community representatives and MPs, who are responsible for developing plans underpinned by evidence of extensive community engagement.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm whether the extra funding can be used to complement existing projects or secure further investments.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is following up on the Whitespots project in Ards and North Down, which relates to WWII history.
Can he confirm that the moneys necessary for the Whitespots project are there, and will he ensure that he does everything he can to make it happen?
I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that he seeks, but I can say that the £30 million set aside for Northern Ireland in round 3 of the levelling-up fund has been given to the Northern Ireland Executive as part of the Executive reformation fund.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm funding availability or ministerial support for the Whitespots project.
Redirected To General Levelling-Up Funding
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the effectiveness of the towns fund after five years, citing a Public Accounts Committee report.
Why are this Government such a failure regarding the implementation of the towns fund?
I think that is quite poor, Mr Speaker. The hon. Gentleman's constituency has itself benefited from £11.1 million of UK shared prosperity funding and £13.4 million from the levelling up fund. Next to him I see the hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Jim McMahon), whose constituency has benefited from £24.4 million from the towns fund.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the criticism or explain poor performance; instead, it cited examples of funding in other constituencies.
Redirected To Funding Benefits For Other Areas
Response accuracy