Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of productivity improvement measures.
High-quality infrastructure is a key factor in improving productivity, so will my right hon. Friend consider establishing both a sovereign wealth fund and an infrastructure bond, which would enable part of the financing solution to allow that necessary infrastructure to be implemented?
The Government's fiscal policy will allow for a step change in infrastructure investment, which is what we need to level up and unleash the potential of the whole country. That is why I am open to looking at ideas for new financing instruments, but I would need to be satisfied that they represent good value for money, that they can be sustained for the long term and that they are consistent with our wider fiscal objectives. I would be happy to discuss that with my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK Government announced the budget only through media, causing uncertainty in Scotland about the promised £1.2 billion in Barnett consequentials.
Alison Thewliss questions Sajid Javid about the Chancellor's failure to apologise to the Scottish Finance Secretary and the potential impact on local authorities setting their budgets without certainty over their block grant by March 11th, as described by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
In the election, we talked about unleashing the potential of the entire United Kingdom, including all of Scotland. The SNP Government in Scotland has let down people by charging the highest taxes and providing worst public services.
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Assessment & feedback
Sajid Javid did not address the specific question about apologising or setting local budgets without certainty over block grants.
Changing Topic
Criticising Opposition
Response accuracy