Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Regional Equality of Economic Opportunity

Thursday 12 November 2020 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government doubling down on levelling up opportunity across the UK, including 1 billion for local projects to boost local economic growth.
  • Arrangements for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be confirmed following the upcoming spending review, matching at a minimum current EU structural funds levels.
  • Government committed to ensuring businesses and infrastructure projects continue to have access to necessary finance through existing and new measures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Fletcher
Economy
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring that all regions benefit from economic growth and opportunities.

Question

What progress the Government have made on ensuring regional equality of economic opportunity?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The Government are doubling down on levelling up opportunity across the United Kingdom, including longer-term measures such as £1 billion for local projects to boost local economic growth. There is also unprecedented support for businesses, workers and local authorities in every nation and region of the United Kingdom in the light of covid-19.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific progress details on regional equality measures

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Q2 Steve Double Con
Economy
Context

Cornwall has received funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will continue to receive support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The MP is asking when details of this replacement fund will be provided.

Question

Can the Minister update the House on when we can expect the Government to come forward with details of the shared prosperity fund?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The arrangements for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be confirmed following the upcoming spending review. The Government are committed to introducing a fund that matches at a minimum the current levels of funding from EU structural funds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for providing details about the shared prosperity fund

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Q3 Gareth Davies Con Grantham and Bourne
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP is suggesting the creation of a new financial institution, such as a British development bank, within the national infrastructure strategy to boost investment.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as part of the national infrastructure strategy, we should launch a new financial institution such as a British development bank?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The Government are committed to ensuring that businesses and infrastructure projects continue to have access to the finance they need. The UK has existing tools like the UK guarantees scheme, and further measures will be brought forward as part of the national infrastructure strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to launching a new financial institution

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Q4 Mark Fletcher
Economy
Context

The MP is seeking assurance that the Government remain committed to the levelling-up agenda in constituencies like his, with better infrastructure and affordable housing.

Question

Can she assure me that this Government remain committed to levelling up constituencies like Bolsover?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The Government are as committed to levelling up opportunity across the UK today as we were last December. I was delighted to visit him in Bolsover during the summer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment beyond general reassurance

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