Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Levelling Up: South-west

04 July 2023 · 4 other contributors · 5,188 words

Opened by Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

Responding minister: Dehenna Davison

EconomyTransportLocal GovernmentEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ian Liddell-Grainger raised concerns about levelling up: south-west in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concerns over disparity in funding allocation across south-west regions
  • MP criticises local authorities for poor governance and lack of transparency
  • MP calls for improvements in bid submissions and urgent resolution of broadband and water issues

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for improved intelligence in bid submissions to ensure they are well thought out, better governance from local authorities, and an urgent resolution to issues with broadband infrastructure and water management.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

The MP is concerned about the disparity in funding allocation across different regions of the south-west. He highlights that while some areas like Bridgwater have received substantial grants, others such as Mid Devon are left out despite submitting bids or lacking them entirely. The lack of intelligence and proper business cases in some bids has led to unsuccessful outcomes. Additionally, he points out governance issues with local authorities, citing examples from Tiverton where the Lib Dem-led council's management is described as rudderless and non-transparent. He also criticises broadband roll-out failures by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) and environmental damage caused by South West Water.

Other contributors (4)
  • Anthony Mangnall Con Fylde

    Brixham harbour in Fylde needs investment to support its potential for the entire county. Successful bids under a Conservative administration demonstrate progress. The MP inquired about what consideration has been given to loaning money to organisations and councils, with the understanding that it will be reclaimed later, allowing levelling up for both government organisations and the private sector when bids fail.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    A levelling-up bid from Plymouth was unsuccessful, highlighting the need for clarity on round 3 criteria or devolution of funding to local authorities who understand their areas. The Member mentions issues within St Paul's area of Bristol regarding social inequalities, highlighting the need to address these challenges effectively. The MP sought clarification on whether future rounds of levelling-up funding will be allocated in parallel with devolution deals. He expressed support for devolution as it allows communities to understand their needs better than Whitehall officials.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Mid Devon District Council prioritised a bid for a relief road at Cullompton, which would ease congestion and improve health. The hon. Member supports this project. The Cullompton relief road has been part of the Mid Devon District Council levelling-up bid on two occasions but was unsuccessful both times. The MP asked how the Minister recommends that the council should pursue the relief road.

  • Simon Jupp Con Sherborne

    Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset have secured £231 million from the levelling-up fund. The reopening of the Dartmoor line and improvements to the A303 show progress in the region. The MP supports the need for improved infrastructure and expresses gratitude for progress made on the A303 highway, which is crucial for all constituencies in the region.

Government Response

Dehenna Davison

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Sir Robert Syms and to hear the contributions from Members in this debate on levelling up for the south-west. The Government's agenda on levelling up aims to unlock potential across every part of the UK, not just focusing on north-south disparities but also addressing rural and coastal challenges. Minister Davison acknowledges specific projects such as Brixham harbour and the Cullompton relief road and expresses support for them. She outlines plans for a third round of the levelling-up fund which will ease bureaucratic burdens by simplifying the funding landscape, introducing further funds like the shared prosperity fund to provide local input and empower communities to deliver on their priorities. Emphasizing that levelling up requires cross-Government efforts with 12 ambitious missions targeted for achievement by 2030, Minister Davison highlights investment in infrastructure, skills growth, regeneration, and supporting community initiatives. She notes challenges like low pay, limited qualifications, and deprivation but also points out opportunities such as world-class universities and advanced industries in the region. The Government has invested £131 million through round 1 of the levelling-up fund, with further funds allocated for towns and getting building projects. Minister Davison expresses her commitment to empowering local leaders and communities by negotiating devolution deals and increasing control over transport and infrastructure. She mentions an £8 billion pothole fund and highlights upcoming rounds of funding such as the third round of the levelling-up fund worth more than £2.6 billion in total from the UK shared prosperity fund. Levelling up is presented as a core mission with focus on delivery, including mobilizing all Government departments towards this goal.

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