Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth: Rural Areas

Tuesday 9 December 2025 · 3 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

  • Ministerial commitment to unlocking growth in rural areas as a top priority
  • 7 billion per year committed to supporting sustainable farming
  • Kernow industrial growth fund announced in the recent Budget to support Cornwall's industries

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Milne Lib Dem Horsham
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP noted concerns about the economic disparity between urban and rural areas, highlighting that improving productivity in rural regions could significantly impact national budgetary forecasts.

Question

What fiscal steps are being taken to help increase growth in rural areas? Later today I will chair a meeting of the all-party parliamentary group for rural business and the rural powerhouse, which focuses on generating rural growth. If we could push rural productivity closer to western European averages, it would fix the Government’s budgetary black hole all by itself. Will the Minister agree to set a measurable target for increasing rural productivity so that we can hold the Government to account on progress?

Answer from James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

Growth is the No. 1 mission of this Government, and we are committed to unlocking growth in every corner of this country. We have committed £2.7 billion per year to supporting sustainable farming, £2.3 billion of transport funding for places beyond city regions through the local transport grant, and more than £1.9 billion for gigabit broadband and 4G connectivity. That funding will help to tackle key blockers to growth in rural areas, unlocking the opportunities and benefits of growth for people right across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific target for increasing rural productivity.

How: We Are Committed, Unlocking Opportunities

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Q2 Noah Law Lab St Austell and Newquay
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP referenced the Chancellor's announcement of the Kernow industrial growth fund in the recent Budget, intended to support Cornwall’s promising industries.

Question

Cornish communities and small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chains of Cornwall’s most promising industries alike will have been delighted by the Chancellor’s announcement of the Kernow industrial growth fund in the recent Budget. Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury agree that those funds should be invested prudently and sustainably and that the proceeds should be recouped for the Cornish public’s coffers so they can be invested in future projects?

Answer from James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

My hon. Friend and many of his neighbouring MPs are excellent advocates for Cornwall and for the benefits that Cornwall can bring to growth, both in the region and right across the country. I know that, in the Budget, the Chancellor was keen to support investment in future industries in Cornwall. For the local council to deliver that, we will work closely with it to make sure that money is well spent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly agree or disagree on the need for prudent and sustainable investments.

How: We Are Working Closely, Investment In Future Industries

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Q3 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Transport Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP raised concerns about the relative impact of new road pricing measures announced in the Budget on rural, compared to urban, residents and businesses.

Question

As this is my last question before Christmas, I want to ask my counterpart a nice and constructive one. As he will know, rural residents and businesses already pay more on fuel than their urban counterparts and there are fewer public transport options. Can he advise what were the results of his assessment of the relative impact of the Budget’s introduction of road pricing on rural, compared with urban, areas?

Answer from James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to the changes we announced in the Budget in relation to electric vehicles and their contribution towards public finances. If people drive electric vehicles, wherever in the country they drive them, they benefit from investment in roads and maintenance alongside those of us who drive petrol cars, so it is important to ensure that we make the tax system fit for the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide an assessment comparing impacts on rural versus urban areas.

How: Changes Announced, Fit For The Future

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