Attracting Investment Support for Towns 2023-03-27
2023-03-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of levelling-up initiatives in attracting investment to towns.
What steps he is taking as part of his Department's levelling up policies to support towns in attracting investment. Manchester and Trafford are cracking on with regenerating Wythenshawe and Sale town centres, despite submitting excellent but ultimately unsuccessful levelling-up bids. Does the Minister really think that forcing cash-strapped councils to waste millions entering endless beauty parades is the best way to level up?
The Government are supporting towns to attract investment through a wide number of levelling-up initiatives, including freeports and investment zones. The £2.6 billion UK shared prosperity fund aims to grow the private sector across the United Kingdom, and the levelling-up funding programmes total almost £10 billion. A full funding simplification plan will be published in due course, and more power and money are being devolved to local areas. I welcome the trailblazer deal introduced in Manchester.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about forcing councils to compete for investment, but the Minister focused on initiatives without addressing the specific concern of competition.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of levelling-up initiatives in attracting investment to towns.
Manchester and Trafford are cracking on with regenerating Wythenshawe and Sale town centres, despite submitting excellent but ultimately unsuccessful levelling-up bids. Does the Minister really think that forcing cash-strapped councils to waste millions entering endless beauty parades is the best way to level up?
That is why the Government will be publishing a full funding simplification plan in due course, but it is also why we are focusing on devolving more power and more money to local areas. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join me in welcoming the fantastic trailblazer deal that we have just introduced in Manchester.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about forcing councils to compete for investment, but the Minister focused on devolving power without addressing the specific concern of competition.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is discussing successful local initiatives and questioning whether the levelling-up fund effectively leverages private sector investment.
In Darwen, we have taken our £25 million town deal and managed to increase that to £100 million with private sector investment. In Rossendale, as part of our £50 million-plus levelling-up funding, we look forward to courting businesses. Does the Minister agree that the whole point of the levelling-up fund is to ensure local authorities work with their local businesses to deliver best for their communities?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; Government funding is just one part of the puzzle to ensure local areas get the investment they need. Attracting that private sector investment is crucial, and I am grateful for all the work he has done locally.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy