Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Town Deals: Covid-19 Recovery

14 July 2021 · 5 other contributors · 11,429 words

Opened by Damien Moore Con Southport

Responding minister: Luke Hall

EconomyTransportLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Damien Moore raised concerns about town deals: covid-19 recovery in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Damien Moore expresses concern over the decline of towns in England, citing high deprivation, lack of opportunity, and empty shops, exacerbated by the pandemic.
  • He requests the government to overhaul the business rates system and encourage free parking periods to boost local shopping.
  • Mr Moore also stresses the need for better rail connectivity, specifically a direct rail service to Manchester Piccadilly and reopening the Burscough curves.

Key requests to Government

Mr Damien Moore asks the Government to overhaul the business rates system to make it easier for businesses to open up in town centres. He also requests that councils incentivise shopping by providing free parking periods. Additionally, he raises the importance of maintaining a direct rail service to Manchester Piccadilly and reopening the Burscough curves.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Damien Moore Con Southport

Mr Damien Moore is concerned about the decline of towns across England due to high levels of deprivation, lack of opportunity and empty shops. He notes that Southport faces issues similar to other northern towns with a large tourism and hospitality sector. The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges as people's shopping and leisure habits have changed remarkably. Mr Moore highlights specific problems such as business rates being a significant barrier for small businesses in maintaining heritage buildings, parking charges discouraging local residents from visiting town centres, and the need for better connectivity through rail infrastructure.

Other contributors (5)
  • Aaron Bell Con Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Congratulated the MP for Southport on securing the debate and addressed comments made by the MP for Leicester East. Emphasised that Conservative government responded to towns left behind economically, unlike Labour's focus on cities. Highlighted Newcastle-under-Lyme receiving £23.6 million from town deal funding and additional funds through future high streets fund, totalling over £34 million. Discussed regeneration plans including new growth opportunities, enhanced connectivity, diversifying town centre, and regenerating deprived wards. Mentioned the need for better ways to help local authorities and community organisations in bidding processes and private sector issues blighting Newcastle, such as Walleys quarry landfill.

  • Claudia Webbe Lab Leicester East

    Ms Claudia Webbe is concerned that the town deals and levelling-up fund are not addressing regional inequalities, with over 80% of towns receiving funding represented by Conservative MPs. She mentions Leicester East's low average weekly income (£420), high unemployment benefit claims, and increased food bank use compared to UK averages. She raises doubts about transparency in selection criteria and criticises the prioritisation of less deprived areas for funding.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Mr Smith highlighted the long-term decline of UK high streets, noting a 10% decrease in footfall since 2012 and closures of libraries, youth centres, children's centres, and public toilets due to austerity. He criticised the Government for imposing £15 billion cuts on local authorities over ten years, leaving a significant funding gap that forces councils to raise council tax. Smith also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the allocation process for the towns fund and questioned the fairness of its distribution.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon thanked the hon. Member for Southport and provided a Northern Ireland perspective, praising local resilience during the pandemic. He highlighted schemes like the high street stimulus and holiday at home voucher initiatives in Northern Ireland aimed at revitalising businesses and boosting tourism. However, Shannon stressed that more needs to be done beyond these measures, advocating for ongoing policy support and collaboration between councils and central government. Mentioned the ten-minute rule Bill proposed by Felicity Buchan for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and inquired if development plans should include key charging points.

  • Peter Aldous Con Wythenshawe and Sale East

    Lowestoft has a towns deal that will play a crucial role in post-covid recovery, aiming to make it a compelling place for living, working and visiting. However, the town faces challenges such as high deprivation rates, which are not reflected in its designation status compared to similar areas like Great Yarmouth. Aldous urged the government to provide fairness and equality in funding opportunities.

Government Response

Luke Hall

Commended the debate opener for his passionate advocacy and highlighted the £37.5 million transformational town deal secured by Southport. Emphasised the towns fund's role in levelling up investment across England, with over £2 billion committed so far to 86 places. Mentioned that 101 places were invited to develop proposals for a town deal as part of the £3.6 billion towns fund, and noted investments such as repurposing empty shops into vibrant community spaces. Reassured Members about the robust selection process for town deals based on evidence-based methodology. Addressed concerns regarding delivery challenges during the pandemic by stating that councils have opportunities to resubmit projects if needed. Discussed monitoring and evaluation strategies, highlighting the need to publish them before the summer recess. Emphasised the importance of business rates reform and outlined steps taken to support local authority funding.

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