Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Fund Projects: Impact of Inflation

Tuesday 7 February 2023 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had discussions on the impact of inflation on levelling-up fund projects.
  • Dialogue is ongoing to assess projects and maximise delivery despite inflation.
  • Chief Secretary responded that the bid evaluation process is rigorous and impartial.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Edwards PC
Economy Housing Local Government
Context

The MP noted discussions about inflation's effect on capital infrastructure projects under the levelling-up fund.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the impact of inflation on projects to be delivered under the levelling-up fund?

Answer from John Glen

There is a constant dialogue at a central and local level to evaluate projects and look at what can be done to maximise delivery in the anticipated timeframe. Obviously, inflation affects the whole economy and every Secretary of State who comes to see me raises the same issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on discussions or central support for projects.

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Q2 Jonathan Edwards PC
Economy
Context

The MP expressed concern about inflationary costs affecting the delivery of capital projects, particularly in the Swansea bay area.

Question

As the Minister said, there have been significant inflationary costs since many of these projects were announced. What discussions are taking place with delivery partners to ensure that sufficient central support is available for projects that are in the pipeline to be completed?

Answer from John Glen

There is a constant dialogue at a central and local level to evaluate projects and look at what can be done to maximise delivery in the anticipated timeframe. Obviously, inflation affects the whole economy and every Secretary of State who comes to see me raises the same issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on discussions or central support measures.

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Q3 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The MP referenced the rejection of all five bids from Birmingham and both bids from Wolverhampton under round two of the levelling-up fund, while a bid from the Prime Minister's constituency was approved.

Question

Following the recent levelling-up round 2 announcements, in which all five bids from Birmingham were refused, as were both bids from the great city of Wolverhampton, but, miraculously, the one from the Prime Minister's constituency was approved, what is the Chief Secretary's response to the Conservative Mayor's comments?

Answer from John Glen

My response is to explain that there is a rigorous process of scoring and evaluating all bids very carefully, as there has been over both rounds. In rounds 1 and 2, 45% was given to constituencies held by Opposition parties and 66% was targeted at category 1 constituencies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the criticism directly or provide a substantive response.

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Q4 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Economy Climate
Context

The MP highlighted job opportunities and investments in the US due to the Inflation Reduction Act, contrasted with the UK's policy stance.

Question

Does the Chief Secretary agree that the Inflation Reduction Act is dangerous? Or does he think that the UK needs a response that makes sure that we do not lose out on the green transition and that we, too, need a Government who want to see investment and jobs from the green transition in every part of the UK?

Answer from John Glen

The Government are totally committed to meeting our net zero obligations. In the comings weeks, as we prepare for the Budget, the Chancellor will be considering these matters in the decisions he brings to the House.

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear stance on the danger of the Inflation Reduction Act or specific UK response plans.

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