Spending Priorities Autumn Statement 2022-11-24
2022-11-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is assessing the Department's spending priorities in light of the autumn statement 2022.
What assessment has been made of his Department's spending priorities in the context of the autumn statement 2022?
The Chancellor announced a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis and rebuild the economy, investing more than £600 billion in infrastructure over the next five years. Transport investment will play a significant role, and the Government aims to deliver a stable long-term transport network.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an assessment of spending priorities specifically in context of autumn statement 2022 but response was more general about future plans.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is comparing UK transport spending cuts with Ireland's recent budget increase for the same economic impacts.
In contrast to Ireland, real-terms cuts in transport spending will impact England and devolved nations. Will the Secretary of State ensure that transport needs outside London are not sacrificed? Does he agree all public transport infrastructure spending in Scotland should follow Scottish Government priorities?
Inflation is a global issue driven by recovery from the pandemic and Russia's war. The Secretary of State will work closely with the Scottish Government on shared priorities as per Peter Hendy's Union connectivity review.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for commitment to protect funding but response was more about inflation and working with Scottish government.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the need to prioritize transport spending in rural areas for levelling up.
Will the Secretary of State make spending in rural areas a priority? Will he look at the urgent need for Leicestershire County Council to build Melton bypass? Will he recognize that rurality matters when reviewing accident hotspots?
Spending on transport in rural areas will be considered as plans are developed following the autumn statement settlement. The Secretary of State is aware of extra challenges in rural areas.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for prioritization but response was more about being aware of rural challenges without specific commitments.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the reliability and affordability of bus services due to lack of adequate funding.
How much of the promised bus service improvement funding has been handed out? Will applications be reopened for those who did not get any funding in the initial round?
Local authorities received bids for more than £1 billion, with 34 selected to benefit from the funding. Further practical support is offered to all areas without new funding. A further round of funding will be considered in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about actual disbursement and reopening applications but response was more about bidding process and future rounds.
Response accuracy