Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tyne Bridge Restoration

Thursday 21 November 2024 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2024-11-21 regarding the Tyne Bridge Restoration.
  • Chi Onwurah from Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West expressed concern over missing funding uplift for the Tyne Bridge restoration.
  • The Government confirmed its commitment to infrastructure improvements and stated that its contribution to approved schemes is fixed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Economy Transport
Context

The restoration project is crucial for the iconic bridge's centenary in 2028, but there are concerns about funding due to inflation and additional costs.

Question

I am concerned that an uplift to the funding announced under the previous Government for the restoration of the Tyne Bridge has not materialised. Inflation and issues uncovered during the project have led to a rise in costs. Could you confirm if the difficult decisions this Government has made mean that the uplift in funding will be available for the fully restored Tyne bridge?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

This Government's manifesto was clear that we want to forge ahead with infrastructure improvements as part of our mission to kick-start economic growth. As with all schemes in the major road network programme, the Department's contribution is fixed once the scheme is approved, and Newcastle city council was awarded over £35 million towards the total cost of the scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confirmation on whether additional funding will be provided for the restoration project.

How: As With All Schemes In The Major Road Network Programme, The Department'S Contribution Is Fixed Once The Scheme Is Approved.

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Q2 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Economy Transport
Context

The restoration project is crucial for the iconic bridge's centenary in 2028, but there are concerns about funding due to inflation and additional costs.

Question

I am concerned that an uplift to the funding announced under the previous Government for the restoration of the Tyne Bridge has not materialised. Inflation and issues uncovered during the project have led to a rise in costs. Could you confirm if the difficult decisions this Government has made mean that the uplift in funding will be available for the fully restored Tyne bridge?

Answer from Lilian Greenwood

This Government's manifesto was clear that we want to forge ahead with infrastructure improvements as part of our mission to kick-start economic growth. As with all schemes in the major road network programme, the Department's contribution is fixed once the scheme is approved, and Newcastle city council was awarded over £35 million towards the total cost of the scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confirmation on whether additional funding will be provided for the restoration project.

How: As With All Schemes In The Major Road Network Programme, The Department'S Contribution Is Fixed Once The Scheme Is Approved.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)