Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Regional Inequality

Wednesday 8 June 2022 · 6 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government published a levelling up White Paper in February to address regional inequalities.
  • Ilfracombe received over 3 million for a marine leisure centre and North Devon got 9.8 million in levelling-up funding.
  • Officials are delivering the equality data programme to examine factors affecting access to opportunity across regions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Julian Sturdy Con
Economy Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about disparities in regional development and economic opportunities across the UK.

Question

I am concerned about regional inequalities. What steps are being taken to help reduce these imbalances?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government's central mission is to level up the UK by spreading opportunity more equally across the country. In February we published our levelling up White Paper, which provides a clear plan to level up every corner of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or policies that have been implemented or proposed are not detailed

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Economy Housing Children & Families
Context

The MP highlights significant disparities in life expectancy and child poverty rates between different areas of her constituency, specifically Ilfracombe and Heavitree.

Question

Regional inequalities exist even within large counties like Devon. What is my hon. Friend doing to address these disparities? For example, Ilfracombe has the lowest life expectancy at 10 years less than Kingskerswell; child poverty in Heavitree stands at 8.1% compared with 20.3% in Ilfracombe West.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Ilfracombe has been awarded more than £3 million for a marine leisure centre at Larkstone cove, providing community facilities. North Devon has received £9.8 million of levelling-up funding. The UK shared prosperity fund will also provide £2.6 billion by March 2025.

Answered
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Q3 Tom Randall
Economy Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring that levelling-up initiatives are genuinely data-driven and responsive to local needs.

Question

In places such as the east midlands, we sometimes feel that we fare slightly less well than other areas. Can my hon. Friend tell me what the Government are doing to make sure that levelling up is driven by data?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

My officials are delivering the equality data programme, examining factors affecting access to opportunity. An employee in Wales/Northern Ireland/north-east England earns more than £3 less per hour than a similar London-based worker, even accounting for cost of living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or programmes are not detailed; only the existence of an equality data programme is mentioned.

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q4 Julian Sturdy Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP notes that the trend towards card and digital payments has led to repeated closures of rural bank branches, affecting vulnerable customers.

Question

I welcome the Government's move to improve cash access but am concerned about rural bank branch closures. Will the Minister act to ensure wider acceptance of cash post-pandemic?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We understand the difficulties caused by the trend away from cash. We plan to legislate in the Financial Services and Markets Bill to support continued use of cash, helping local businesses continue accepting it.

Answered
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Q5 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP raises concerns about increased child poverty, pensioner poverty, wealth inequality, and life expectancy stagnation or decline during the current government's tenure.

Question

My constituents will have listened with bewilderment to the Minister's replies. Over 12 years, child poverty has risen, pensioner poverty has increased, the rich-poor gap widened, and life expectancy stalled or declined in some areas. Which of these achievements is she most proud of?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I am proud of this Government's achievements. As announced, we will use the £1.4 billion global Britain investment fund to attract major investments like the Britishvolt gigafactory in Northumberland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific data or policies addressing regional inequalities are not provided; instead, a future project is mentioned.

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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Q6 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Employment Northern Ireland
Context

The MP expresses concern over the geographic pay disparity between mainland UK and Northern Ireland, seeking specific steps to address this.

Question

I thank the Minister for her responses. In discussions with the Northern Ireland Assembly, what can be done to ensure that wages on the mainland are reflected in those offered in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Yes, it is disappointing to see figures showing lower wages. We expect proposals to address these issues when the data programme concludes. The hon. Gentleman's constituency insights are valuable for policymaking.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or initiatives to address wage disparities are not detailed; only a general commitment is given.

How: Under Review, Looking At This

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