Levelling Up Cost of Living in Rural Areas 2023-01-09
2023-01-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerned about the impact of levelling up on rural areas' cost of living, especially with higher petrol, food, transport and housing costs.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Department's levelling-up agenda on the cost of living for people in rural areas?
Levelling up is about improving opportunities and living standards across the country. Recognizing higher costs in rural areas, we proposed maintaining an £85-million rural services delivery grant. Autumn statement measures include benefit and pension inflation uprating, energy price guarantee strengthening, and cost of living payments.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific assessment of the impact on cost of living in rural areas beyond general statements.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about delays in announcing successful bids for levelling-up funding and the difficulty of meeting capital expenditure deadlines.
Is concerned that the Government's delay in announcing successful bids for levelling-up funding, particularly for North East Fife. Is also worried about not pushing back the deadline on capital expenditure beyond 31 March 2025 due to challenges in delivering projects.
We are putting additional funding in place to support local areas to build up capacity and improve their ability to deliver projects on time. All constituents want spades in the ground as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address extending the deadline for capital expenditure explicitly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Cited a constituent's severe situation due to the high costs in rural areas, with the person expressing despair over their financial struggles.
Acknowledges that the cost of living crisis is worse for rural parts of Britain due to higher petrol, food, transport and housing costs compared to lower average wages. Requests acknowledgment of the problem and collaboration across Government to address it.
Acknowledges similar cases in rural communities, noting that a lot of work is ongoing across Government to mitigate cost of living pressures including cost of living payments and additional help with energy bills. Will be willing to work with anyone who can help.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or actions to address the issue beyond general willingness to collaborate.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about the cost of sewage disposal, with a housing association levying charges up to £300 per month.
Requests a meeting to discuss specifics of high sewage disposal costs and explore possible Government support.
Grateful for the raise, will meet to learn more and see what more can be done to support constituents on sewage disposal costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Suggestion that supporting the Inspiring Eden Enterprise Hub bid would be beneficial for Penrith, Eden and rural Cumbria.
Asks if backing the Inspiring Eden Enterprise Hub bid would show Government support for rural areas.
Recognizes excellent work championing Penrith and The Border, willing to meet to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly commit to backing the Inspiring Eden Enterprise Hub bid.
Response accuracy