Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Regional Economic Opportunity

Thursday 1 October 2020 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government initiatives include the winter economy plan, lifetime skills guarantee, and major infrastructure investment to ensure regional equality of economic opportunity.
  • Peterborough is being considered for a new civil service hub at Fletton Quays due to its transport links and economic potential.
  • The Government support reducing imbalances in access to finance for SMEs, with over 83,000 SMEs benefiting from British Business Bank programmes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP asks about progress towards regional economic equality as promised by the government.

Question

What progress has been made on ensuring regional equality of economic opportunity, given previous promises and current economic challenges?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government are committed to levelling up opportunity across the UK through various initiatives including the winter economy plan, lifetime skills guarantee, and major infrastructure investment. The Cabinet Office is relocating more civil service jobs beyond London as part of the Places for Growth strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or commitment was given for addressing regional economic disparities

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Q2 Paul Bristow
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

The MP promotes Peterborough as an ideal location for a new civil service hub.

Question

Given the Government's commitment to 'bringing decision making closer', why not consider Peterborough, with its transport links and growing economy, for a new civil service hub?

Answer from Julia Lopez

Peterborough is indeed being considered due to its excellent transport links and economic potential. A Government hub will be located at Fletton Quays, demonstrating our commitment to regional development.

Answered
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Q3 Antony Higginbotham
Business & Trade
Context

The MP notes Burnley's long-standing underinvestment in infrastructure and SME finance compared to London.

Question

Does the Minister agree that development banks could help solve the problem of uneven access to finance for smaller firms outside London?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government support reducing imbalances in access to finance for SMEs. Over 83,000 SMEs have benefited from programmes run by the British Business Bank, and infrastructure is central to our economic plan, providing opportunities throughout the supply chain.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific new initiatives or commitments were mentioned for improving access to finance in Burnley specifically

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Q4 Mark Logan
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of stricter local lockdowns in Bolton compared to other regions.

Question

Given that pubs and restaurants in Bolton have been hit harder than elsewhere, will the Government do everything possible to support these businesses?

Answer from Julia Lopez

Local lockdown decisions are made based on expert advice and data. The Minister has spoken about setting up a taskforce to address issues for the night-time economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was given regarding aligning restrictions with neighbouring areas

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Q5 Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield
Education Employment
Context

The MP inquires about support for those unemployed due to businesses adapting or closing because of the pandemic.

Question

How can constituents who have lost jobs due to covid find the necessary education and qualifications for future employment?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Chancellor's plan for jobs includes incentives for employers to hire new apprentices, funding to triple traineeships uptake, and free level 3 qualifications in high-value subjects for adults lacking full level 3 qualifications from April.

Answered
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Q6 Paul Howell
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The MP discusses the disparity in civil servant numbers between London and other regions, advocating for relocation to areas like Sedgefield.

Question

Considering regional economic growth maximisation, should not government departments be relocated outside metropolitan centres such as Newcastle?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government are committed to levelling up across the UK, moving civil service roles beyond London. The Places for Growth programme is exploring opportunities for clusters of civil servants in various parts of the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was given regarding specific departments relocating to Sedgefield or similar areas

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Q7 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

Teesside is experiencing significant economic growth and has become a prominent area for green technology. The local community is eager to attract new opportunities, including the relocation of civil service jobs.

Question

There is an amazing world of opportunities, talents and skills outside London, and nowhere more so than in Teesside. We are on the up. Our airport is reborn. We are leading the green technology revolution. We have the brightest and best entrepreneurs, manufacturers and exporters. We are fighting for a freeport and gagging for growth. Could my hon. Friend confirm not if but when civil service jobs from Whitehall will make their way to Teesside?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government are committed to relocating 22,000 civil service roles out of central London within the next decade, with the majority going to other regions and nations of the UK. We will continue to engage with the Mayor and others to ensure that the north-east benefits from our ambitions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline for when civil service jobs would be relocated to Teesside.

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