Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Infrastructure Investment

Monday 19 April 2021 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government plans to deliver over 600 billion in public investment over the next five years.
  • Bidding is open for the levelling-up fund worth 4.8 billion to support local priorities.
  • Crewe's town investment plan was received in January, with a positive announcement anticipated.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Economy Transport
Context

The question arises from the need to increase local infrastructure in Bexhill and Battle. No specific event or statistic is mentioned but the context implies significant investment needs.

Question

What plans does he have to increase investment in local infrastructure?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Infrastructure underpins our economy and improves people's everyday lives. Over the next five years, the Government plan to deliver over £600 billion in public investment, the highest sustained level since the 1970s as a proportion of GDP. My Department is playing a leading role by making the biggest changes in local economic growth support with around £5 billion of investment through the levelling-up fund and community renewal fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not specify plans for Bexhill and Battle specifically, only general infrastructure investments.

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Q2 Rob Butler
Transport
Context

The question stems from the need for more transport infrastructure in Aylesbury, a fast-growing area with significant housing development. It highlights traffic congestion and seeks funding for East West Rail's Aylesbury spur.

Question

What steps can my right hon. Friend take to work across Government to secure funding for the Aylesbury spur of East West Rail?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

My hon. Friend highlights the need for transport investment in the Milton Keynes-Oxford-Cambridge arc, including Aylesbury to East West Rail, an overall project he has supported long-term. The national homebuilding fund of £7 billion and a new infrastructure levy are mentioned as measures to ensure homes come with appropriate infrastructure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not specifically address steps taken or planned for securing funding for the Aylesbury spur.

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Q3 Miriam Cates
Transport Local Government
Context

The MP has been involved in developing plans for Stocksbridge with £24.1 million of Government investment, aiming to extend this approach to other towns like Penistone and Chapeltown.

Question

What plans does my right hon. Friend have to encourage local councils to support communities to develop their own local infrastructure development strategies?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Bidding is open for the levelling-up fund worth £4.8 billion, designed to deliver genuine local priorities with local support, including that of an MP, at its heart. The Secretary highlights plans in Stocksbridge and expresses hope for future success.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not specifically address how local councils will be encouraged or supported to develop strategies.

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Q4 Giles Watling Con
Social Care Local Government
Context

The MP highlights a £100 million funding gap in Tendring for adult social care, crucial for delivering new housing and supporting residents.

Question

What is my right hon. Friend's Department doing to address the £100 million hole in our adult social care budget?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Local councils will have access to an additional £1 billion for social care, on top of continuing existing social care funding. The Department is bringing forward the infrastructure levy and working with local authorities to ensure they can access housing infrastructure funds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not specify any specific actions to address the £100 million gap in Tendring's adult social care budget.

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Q5 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Transport Local Government
Context

The MP has been campaigning for a town deal to support regeneration in Crewe, which was submitted earlier this year.

Question

Will the Secretary of State update me on when we can expect positive news about our town deal for Crewe?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Delighted to have received Crewe's town investment plan in January. Officials are conducting assessments and a positive announcement is anticipated in due course, highlighting plans for a new town centre and HS2 hub station.

Answered
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