Levelling Up across the UK 2023-10-16
2023-10-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about steps to level up the United Kingdom.
What steps are being taken to level up across the whole of the United Kingdom?
Levelling up is a UK-wide project. City and growth deals have been delivered in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; investment zones programme including zones in north-east of Scotland and Glasgow; £4.8 billion through levelling-up fund for projects ranging from Burnley's historic mills to Peterhead's cultural quarter.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about pockets of deprivation even in seemingly affluent areas, such as Basildon and Thurrock.
Will the Secretary of State remember that even in apparently affluent areas, there are pockets benefiting significantly from levelling-up investment? What plans does he have to include those areas in the next round?
My hon. Friend makes an important point about Thurrock's community. Plans extend Docklands eastward inspired by my hon. Friend's work, aiming to make the Thames estuary a powerhouse for economic growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans and timeline not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of Burnley receiving funds and wanted to know about community engagement in the process.
Will the Secretary of State set out what community engagement will look like for the £20 million allocated over a decade? Will it be ongoing?
My hon. Friend is right about Burnley's investment as part of 55 towns' UK-wide decade-long project. We will work with representatives to tackle antisocial behaviour, revive high streets, and ensure pride in Burnley.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific community engagement details not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of proposed business rate changes on the creative industries.
Will the Secretary of State have conversations with HMRC and Treasury to protect the opportunities for the creative industries?
Absolutely, we need to protect and enhance the role our creative industries play across the UK in levelling up.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plans mentioned
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the cost of delivering social care in rural counties, such as Shropshire.
Will the Secretary of State consider the higher costs when determining local government settlements for rural communities?
Absolutely fair point. Government understands additional investment needed for rural communities, especially adult social care.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plans mentioned
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the timeline for the next round of levelling-up fund applications.
Will there be an indication of what sort of timescale there is for the next round of applications?
Levelling-up fund round 3 will be brought forward just before the autumn statement, ensuring Staffordshire's voice is heard.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP urged caution regarding a rushed devolution deal for Hull, stressing the need for proper consultation.
Will the Secretary of State guarantee proper consultation so that people understand the implications before any deal?
We are talking to representatives from both East Riding and Kingston upon Hull councils to ensure a devolution deal works. We have developed a levelling-up partnership with Hull for transport investment.
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Assessment & feedback
Guarantee of proper consultation not given
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Prior to Scotland's exit from the EU, EU regional development policies allocated £827 million to Scotland from 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government played a key role in directing this funding, unlike the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
EU regional development policies allocated up to £827 million from 2014 to 2020 before Scotland was taken out of the EU against its will. The Scottish Government played a key role in directing this funding compared to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which bypasses Scotland's Parliament and undermines devolution. Will the Secretary of State and his Cabinet colleagues stop playing politics and devolve levelling up to Holyrood?
We are devolving levelling up—we are devolving it to local government. That is why our recent towns fund announcement was welcomed by all councils, including SNP-led councils.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about devolving levelling up to Holyrood, but the answer only mentioned devolution to local government and did not address the specific request for devolution to Scotland's Parliament.
Discussed The General Concept Of Devolution Rather Than Addressing The Specific Ask
Response accuracy