Investment in UK Infrastructure 2022-05-17
2022-05-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is asking about fiscal steps taken to support UK infrastructure.
What fiscal steps has the government taken to support investment in UK infrastructure?
The Government are committed to investing in infrastructure to boost economic growth across the country, and I was delighted to see this at first hand when visiting my hon. Friend's constituency of Southend West last week, where the local authority has secured £19.9 million from the levelling up fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific fiscal steps not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of access at Chalkwell station.
Every station on the C2C line in Southend West is access friendly except for Chalkwell station, which has 30 steep steps. What further support or funding can be provided to ensure accessibility?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to campaign for better access to stations for disabled people. I am pleased to confirm that Chalkwell is included in the Department for Transport's £350 million Access for All programme, and that construction will begin to install a new footbridge and lift this autumn.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is criticizing the government for cutting promised infrastructure investments.
The Government have cut infrastructure promises, particularly in Northern Powerhouse Rail. Does this show a lack of interest in economic infrastructure needs in the north and midlands?
I simply do not recognise the picture that the hon. Member is painting. This Government are absolutely committed to investing in infrastructure because that is at the heart of our ambitions for economic growth and levelling up across the country, including £96 billion for the integrated infrastructure rail plan for the north of the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific rail cuts not addressed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is asking about improving the deliverability of infrastructure projects.
I welcome increased investment in infrastructure, but for it to be useful we need practical improvements. What are the Government doing to improve the efficacy of this money?
That is an excellent question from my hon. Friend. We are not only investing in infrastructure but making sure that taxpayers' money gets put to good use. One way we are doing that is by working with the Infrastructure and Products Authority and with Project SPEED, which specifically scrutinises the most important infrastructure projects in this country to ensure that we are doing a better job of making taxpayers' money go further and doing it cleaner and greener as we go.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the single track rail link to Windermere.
After London, the Lake district is the most popular visitor destination with 19 million visitors a year. Its only direct rail link has a single track from Oxenholme to Windermere. Will the Minister meet me and local authorities to fast-track dualing of this line?
Thank you, Mr Speaker. The growth of tourism is really important as part of the wider economic growth of the country, and I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to talk about his proposal.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific action promised
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is seeking a meeting to discuss infrastructure needs around the Humber ports.
Immingham and Grimsby are part of the Humber ports freeport project. Will the Minister meet me and neighbouring MPs to discuss an upgrade for the A180?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the upgrade to that road. As I have said, we know that infrastructure is really important in supporting economic growth and levelling up all around the UK.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific action promised
Response accuracy