Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Agenda

Monday 19 July 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial meetings with devolved Administrations took place in March to discuss UK-wide funding programmes for levelling up.
  • The government emphasizes localism and encourages areas to develop their own solutions for improvement.
  • Funds are being delivered over the course of the Parliament, with priority given to councils in need of support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joanna Cherry SNP
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

MP inquired about the government's discussions on delivering its levelling-up agenda with devolved administrations.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with devolved Administrations on delivering the Government's levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Luke Hall

Levelling up all areas remains at the centre of our agenda, empowering regions by devolving money and control. In March, meetings were held with Ministers from each devolved Administration to discuss UK-wide funding programmes. My officials will continue discussions as we develop this important investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of the specific agenda discussed or decisions made in those meetings.

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Q2 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

MP questioned the Prime Minister's credibility regarding his commitment to levelling up, referencing a statement made by him in the past.

Question

How can anyone trust the PM on his levelling-up agenda given his own record of prioritising London over other parts of the UK?

Answer from Luke Hall

The government is delivering capacity funding in Scotland, helping councils work up strong bids and building a lasting relationship with central Government. We are putting money where our mouth is and supporting the Union through investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific guarantees or assurances about equal distribution of funds across regions beyond London.

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Q3 Joanna Cherry SNP
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

MP questioned the appropriateness of UK Government Ministers dictating support to constituents when they do not have authority in devolved matters.

Question

Why should UK Government Ministers dictate support for Scottish constituencies on devolved issues, and why not use proper channels?

Answer from Luke Hall

We are delivering funds in a way that encourages localism, asking areas to come up with solutions to their problems. We believe that communities can offer good ideas for improvement and want to work closely with them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete justification or explanation on the appropriateness of central government intervention in devolved matters.

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Q4 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Economy Housing Local Government
Context

MP questioned the Prime Minister's request for public ideas on levelling up, referencing his recent speech.

Question

How many emails has the PM received regarding levelling up and what substance do they contain?

Answer from Luke Hall

In response to a lack of ideas from Labour, the Minister highlighted various levelling-up initiatives, including funds for regenerating town centres, transport networks, and housing. He criticized Labour's record on community support.

Not addressed: Details about public email correspondence or specific proposals submitted by citizens.

How: Discussing Labour'S Shortcomings Instead Of Addressing The Question

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Q5 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Local Government
Context

MP questioned how sufficient funding will be ensured for future rounds, given that bids from local authorities would exceed the current fund.

Question

How will the UK Government ensure that there is enough funding for later rounds of levelling-up projects?

Answer from Luke Hall

We are delivering funds over the course of the Parliament, attaching priority rankings to councils needing support. We ensure that communities facing challenges get targeted assistance and provide every local authority with capacity funding for strong bids.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or assurances regarding guaranteed funding levels beyond initial allocations.

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