Levelling-up Fund 2023-02-22
2023-02-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the effectiveness of UK Government's levelling-up funding in Scotland, referencing specific investment needs identified by an all-party group.
What recent assessment have you made with Cabinet colleagues on the effectiveness of levelling-up funding in Scotland? Are you encouraging new towns like East Kilbride to apply for this funding?
Yes, we are encouraging communities across Scotland to apply for levelling-up funding. The Government's agenda is benefiting communities and allows local leaders to address specific needs through investment in projects like the new ferry for Fair Isle or restoration of Kilmarnock's Palace Theatre.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a recent assessment on the effectiveness of levelling-up funding as requested, focusing instead on encouragement to apply for funds without specifics.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the specific infrastructure needs of new towns such as East Kilbride and wants to know if these areas are being encouraged to apply for levelling-up funding.
The all-party parliamentary group on new towns, chaired by me, has identified specific infrastructure needs in new towns like my constituency. Will you encourage these new towns to apply for levelling-up funding?
Yes, we are encouraging communities across Scotland to apply for levelling-up funding. Communities like Cumbernauld have successfully secured over £9 million in the first round of the fund, enabling transformational developments.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on how new towns can benefit or any commitment to ensure East Kilbride's eligibility and success with funding applications.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is addressing the significant impact of the cost of living crisis on households and highlighting that energy companies are making substantial profits without a proper windfall tax.
According to Together Through This Crisis, almost a quarter of people regularly run out of money for essentials. Energy companies like BP and Shell have made over £1 billion in weekly profits. Will you listen to charities and recognise the crisis's impact on working people by implementing a proper windfall tax?
The Government have raised energy company taxes to 75%, considering it fair given the current situation. Additional cost of living support worth over £26 billion in 2023-24 has been provided by the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is expressing concern over the internal disputes within the SNP while Scottish people face a severe cost of living crisis.
Parents are going without food to feed their children. The state of public services worsens due to the cost of living crisis and reduced funding for local government and health service in Scotland. Do you agree that it is absurd that failed Scottish Ministers focus on competing for leadership rather than addressing these issues?
While the SNP engages in internal conflicts, Scotland needs serious attention given to its economy, health service, and education system. We hope the new First Minister will address these issues rather than focusing on independence.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided discussing the cost of living crisis's impact and did not acknowledge the seriousness of public services' state as requested.
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Response accuracy