House of Commons · Westminster Hall
01 December 2020 · 6 other contributors · 14,326 words
Opened by Jack Brereton Con Stoke-on-Trent South
Responding minister: Christopher Pincher
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jack Brereton raised concerns about north staffordshire potteries towns: levelling up in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should commit to Stoke-on-Trent's bid for the Strength in Places fund wave 2 and support the proposed Florence MacWilliams Academy free school. Investment is needed in public transport infrastructure through schemes like the Transforming Cities Fund, Restoring Your Railway programme, and Housing Infrastructure Fund. The local contribution requirement for levelling-up programmes should be reconsidered to ensure disadvantaged areas receive necessary funding.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Covid-19 has impacted the economy of North Staffordshire, particularly sectors such as hospitality and tableware manufacturing. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the most deprived areas in England with a high proportion of deprived neighbourhoods, low life expectancy, lower earnings than regional and national averages, and significant challenges in academic qualifications. Despite these issues, there is potential for growth in advanced manufacturing and digital industries.
Praised the work in combating the pandemic and highlighted the importance of scientific progress. Emphasized the role of Keele University and science park in levelling up. Discussed the need for continued restrictions due to the vaccine progress. Highlighted the impact of covid on Newcastle-under-Lyme's market town, mentioning the Future High Streets programme and the need for quick feedback. Spoke about the town deal bid and its potential impact on revitalizing the town centre.
The MP highlighted the importance of manufacturing and technical industries in Stoke-on-Trent, noting a high redundancy rate due to the pandemic. She emphasized the need for investment in skills training and welcomed funding for further education colleges. The MP also discussed the city-wide roll-out of full fibre and its economic benefits, including job creation through projects like Silicon Stoke and 5G initiatives. Additionally, she advocated for an advanced ceramics campus and praised local businesses' resilience during challenging times.
Representing Burslem and Tunstall, Jonathan Gullis highlighted the unique challenges in his constituency, including economic investment needs in ceramics through the Advanced Ceramics Campus. He advocated for a free school programme to improve education outcomes, emphasised the importance of brownfield site development, and called for better enforcement against absentee landowners through his ten-minute rule Bill.
Expressed concerns about the economic impact of current covid restrictions on businesses and highlighted the need for certainty and support. Emphasised the importance of transport infrastructure, particularly a restored railway line between Stoke-on-Trent and Leek. Also discussed funding disparities in education, broadband connectivity issues, cultural investment, tourism challenges faced by Alton Towers, and the need for better coordination among local authorities to address shared economic challenges. Stressed the need for proportionate measures to support businesses during the pandemic, welcomed the £4 billion levelling-up fund but questioned its scope at local levels. Advocated for a 5G pilot and improvements in public transport infrastructure, including a metro system for Newcastle-under-Lyme. Highlighted cultural significance of her constituency.
The north has faced decades of underfunding, with the Staffordshire pottery towns receiving less than half the investment per person compared to London. Health and education investments have decreased over the past decade, leading to severe impacts on hospitals and schools in the region. Councils are facing an estimated £1 billion funding gap this year, which could grow to £2 billion due to the pandemic.
Reminded hon. Members of the changes to normal practice due to the new covid system, including sanitising microphones and following a one-way system.
Government Response
Christopher PincherWelcomed contributions from colleagues on levelling up and committed £220 million to pilot programmes next year. Mentioned the £4 billion levelling-up fund, £3.6 billion towns fund for town deals in Kidsgrove and Newcastle-under-Lyme, and high streets regeneration efforts through the Future High Streets Fund. Discussed brownfield regeneration with £100 million available, and business support during the pandemic of around £13.9 million to Stoke-on-Trent businesses. Emphasized the importance of local enterprise zones like the ceramic valley and tech advancement in Staffordshire.