Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford Growth Arc National Infrastructure Commission Report 2023-03-27
2023-03-27
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about housing growth in Bedfordshire, which has been two and a half times the national average over the past decade. Local services such as GPs and dentists are under severe pressure.
If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of updating the report on the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford growth arc published by the National Infrastructure Commission in 2017.
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the concerns of his constituents, which are shared by many communities. We know how important it is that infrastructure is delivered alongside housing growth. That is why, through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, we will require local authorities to produce an infrastructure strategy as part of the infrastructure levy.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request
Will Require Local Authorities To Produce An Infrastructure Strategy
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the impact of housing growth in Bedfordshire, with acute pressures on local services like GPs and dentists. The National Infrastructure Commission's progress review confirms that East West Rail could lead to even greater housing development.
Over the past decade, housing growth in Bedfordshire has been two and a half times the national average, with acute pressures on our GPs, dentists and other local services. Today's progress review by the National Infrastructure Commission confirmed what many of us have always known—namely, that East West Rail is an excuse for even greater housing development in Bedfordshire and the region. Will my hon. Friend please meet me and ensure that we do not progress housing growth in the Ox-Cam arc before the shortages in services are settled?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the concerns of his constituents, which are shared by many communities. We know how important it is that infrastructure is delivered alongside housing growth. That is why, through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, we will require local authorities to produce an infrastructure strategy as part of the infrastructure levy. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request
Will Require Local Authorities To Produce An Infrastructure Strategy
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The University of Cambridge contributes almost £30 billion per annum to the UK economy and supports 86,000 jobs. The Ox-Cam arc is key to future UK prosperity.
Last week London Economics reported that the University of Cambridge contributes almost £30 billion per annum and supports 86,000 jobs across the whole country. When Cambridge does well, the whole country does well. The arc is the key to future UK prosperity, so will the Government play their part by giving local leaders the tools and access to investment so that they can use the wealth that we create to set the stage for Labour to achieve our mission to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7?
As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Richard Fuller), we are considering the report of the National Infrastructure Commission, but this Government are committed to levelling up and to devolution across the country. We saw in the Budget, delivered by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, that we have devolved significant powers to Mayors across the country, such as Andy Street in the west midlands.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific tools and investment access for local leaders
Committed To Levelling Up And To Devolution
Response accuracy