Regional Economic Inequalities: Fiscal Steps

Question

What recent fiscal steps have been taken to help tackle regional economic inequalities? I am concerned that by their own measures, the Government are failing on almost half of their levelling-up missions in the east of England. The Cambridge sub-region, a net contributor to the Exchequer, has vital transport projects on hold or awaiting finance.

Question

By their own measures, the Government are failing on almost half of their levelling-up missions in the east of England. Meanwhile, the Cambridge sub-region has vital transport projects on hold or awaiting finance. When will the Treasury stop stalling growth and give power back to the regions, which know best what needs to be done in their area?

Question

The way to reduce regional inequality is to ensure that growth happens everywhere across the country. One way to do that is to support small and medium-sized enterprises and community enterprises, which are particularly located in under-served regions. I commend the Government for the recovery loan scheme, which has been a lifeline to many small businesses and community enterprises. Can the Minister tell us whether that scheme is likely to be renewed? Hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment is waiting on the Government to make a decision.