Levelling-up Agenda

The levelling-up agenda is a con trick that does not address strategic investment or bypasses devolution settlements. It fails to recognise the impact of past policies such as right-to-buy and oil revenue squandering, causing inequality. The fund lacks a coherent strategy for communities affected by coalmining closures and does not provide adequate support for infrastructure projects like road upgrades in Scotland. The process is likely to be politically managed rather than need-based with rushed bids leading to potential overruns.

David Warburton highlighted the need for investment in connectivity to level up Somerset. He discussed the importance of improving physical and digital infrastructure, including dualling the A303 road and expanding broadband access. Warburton also mentioned a feasibility study for a new railway station at Langport and Somerton, stressing that continued covid restrictions harm economic recovery efforts.

Asked the minister to allow Bob Seely a couple of minutes for closing remarks. Expressed hope that Gainsborough could receive levelling-up fund support.

Ms Emma Hardy highlighted the negative effects of the pandemic on deprived areas, emphasizing the need for government action to level up opportunities. She noted that remote working has led to lower rents in city centres and increased disposable income in other regions. She called for fast, reliable broadband across the country, proper funding for schools and colleges, and awareness of new career opportunities. Ms Hardy praised Hull's fibre-optic coverage and digital hub developments as examples of what other areas should aim for.

There is a win-win in relieving housing pressures by levelling up development opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent. The city built more than the average London borough last year, with 99% on brownfield land. There are multiple hectares of brownfield land available for building, but clean-up costs are considerable and often unviable in lower-priced housing markets. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the fastest-growing city economies nationally and a centre for advanced manufacturing and digital revolution. Asked the hon. Member if she would give way, though the exact nature of his intervention was not provided in the transcript.

Mr. Murray highlighted the decade of under-investment and emphasized that a single pot of money from the levelling-up fund will not address the issues, noting the need for sustained investment in devolution beyond what is currently offered. He criticized the government's decision to block Sir Kevan Collins' comprehensive education recovery plans, arguing these would have been effective in leveling up opportunities for children. Mr. Murray also questioned why the UK supported a lower global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, suggesting it could prevent British businesses from being undercut by multinationals and secure additional funding for public services.

Jamie Stone argued for investment in tourism infrastructure to level up the highlands and islands of Scotland. He supported a bid by the Highland Council to build a new sea gate at Wick harbour to increase marina potential and improve tourism along the North Coast 500 route, highlighting its success in attracting visitors but also addressing infrastructure challenges such as parking and bridge maintenance.

Mr. Shannon supported the Prime Minister's call for levelling up, emphasizing Northern Ireland's potential in cyber-security, film industry, agrifood sector, and tourism. He highlighted existing successes like 'Game of Thrones' filming locations and local businesses exporting to global markets but noted that more investment is needed to fully leverage these opportunities.

Mr. Rowley expressed gratitude for the debate and highlighted progress in his constituency, including town deals worth nearly £51 million for regeneration, broadband rollout, and improvements to infrastructure such as the Staveley bypass. He emphasised that levelling up is not solely about funding but also about focusing on outputs and involving local communities in decision-making processes.

The Government's levelling-up agenda undermines devolved institutions and prioritises competitive approaches over needs-based funding. Wales will receive a fraction of the funds it received from the EU, with only 5% of the levelling-up fund allocated to Wales, potentially as little as £50 million annually.

Praised the Government's levelling-up agenda, highlighting the benefits in his constituency including the Greater Grimsby town deal and the successful Humber port freeport bid. Emphasised the importance of comprehensive plans and a strong team to attract funding.

She expressed concerns about the levelling-up fund undermining devolved powers in Scotland, noting that there is no formal requirement for local authorities to work with the Scottish Government on devolved policy areas. She pointed out that the UK Government's approach bypasses strategic expertise and sets local authorities against each other rather than fostering collaboration. Gibson also highlighted that the towns fund had been criticised for a lack of transparency and questioned how Whitehall could judge competing bids without detailed knowledge of Scotland or its local authority areas.

Welcomed investment in Lowestoft, including £220 million of public sector funding for infrastructure projects. Emphasised the success of the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth enterprise zone in creating jobs and generating retained rates. Urged favourable consideration of a skills improvement plan bid focused on net zero agenda.

Councils need proper resources to deliver regeneration projects, but austerity has left areas like Barnsley underfunded. The council lost 40% of its income since 2010 and the area is more deserving than Richmond (Yorks). Levelling up requires addressing in-work poverty and funding young people's recovery.

Discussed a housing crisis in rural areas due to an increase in holiday lets, with houses purchased during the pandemic going into the second-home market at proportions of 40% to 80%. Highlighted the need for local authorities to have the power to say there are enough homes of that sort and protect communities. Mr. Farron thanked the minister for swift action after he had raised the issue with the former junior planning Minister, who is now the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I am concerned about the lack of investment in the Isle of Wight despite its unique challenges. The island has a higher cost of providing public services and needs tailored solutions rather than generic funding formulas.