Geographic Inequality of Opportunity 2021-02-10
2021-02-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the long-standing issue of geographic disparities in economic opportunities, highlighting the stark difference in average hourly wages between London and other regions such as the north-west.
What steps she is taking to tackle geographic inequality of opportunity. The average hourly wage gap between London and the north-west has grown to nearly 30%, and this inequality affects access to jobs and economic prosperity for residents across different parts of the country.
We need to tackle the scourge of geographic inequality—average hourly wages are nearly 30% higher in London than they are in the north-west—and that is why I have asked the Equalities Hub to look beyond protected characteristics and identify additional barriers that people face up and down the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer mentions the wage gap but does not provide specific steps or a timeline for addressing geographic inequality of opportunity.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Lytham St Annes, a coastal community in Lancashire, has been severely impacted by the pandemic due to its reliance on tourism and hospitality sectors which traditionally employ many women. The questioner highlights that this is a long-standing issue affecting coastal towns.
Coastal communities such as Lytham St Annes are home to substantial tourism and hospitality sectors. Those sectors have traditionally employed large numbers of women, but they have been particularly hit by the pandemic. Given that inequality in coastal resorts is a long-recognised issue, what plans does my right hon. Friend have to ensure that coastal towns—in Lancashire, especially—can build back better?
We are directing vital support to seaside towns through the £230 million coastal communities fund. We recognise the unique challenges faced by towns such as St Annes, and that will be very much in our thoughts as we look to the £4 billion levelling-up fund and the UK shared prosperity fund. I am pleased to say that we will be publishing prospectives for those shortly, and no doubt my hon. Friend will be interested in applying.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provides information on funds but does not commit to specific plans or actions tailored to coastal towns' recovery.
Response accuracy