House of Commons · Westminster Hall
02 April 2025 · 12 other contributors · 9,562 words
Opened by Sarah Russell Lab Congleton
Responding minister: Torsten Bell
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Russell raised concerns about green book review in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The review must learn from previous failures, particularly the 2020 review, by valuing transformational impacts of interventions for specific areas, simplifying and speeding up Green Book processes, focusing on place-based analysis, and redressing investment imbalances between regions.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The constituents of Congleton have not seen significant infrastructure spending for years except where it has been facilitated through house growth. The total capital public spending per person in the north-west was £13,297 per year compared to £14,842 in London. The Green Book needs to address issues that undermine regional economies and must be done with ambition and a willingness to challenge underlying customs and practices.
The complexity of current Treasury guidance, such as the Green Book, has led to an over-reliance on benefit-to-cost ratio for decision making, favouring investment in London and the south-east. From 2008 to 2024, funding levels could have been adjusted to free up over £100 billion for regional needs.
The current framework is forcing people to move away from their communities due to lack of investment, leading to dilapidated stations like Crewe that struggle with future growth.
Thanked Mrs Russell for securing the debate and acknowledged the importance of addressing the Green Book's complexity and its impact on regional economies.
Backs Mrs Russell's call for a Green Book review that considers each area of the UK and not just London and the south-east, highlighting issues with policies and procedures that do not translate to rural areas.
Emphasised the need for a strategic, place-based approach to investment in towns such as Leigh and Atherton.
Discussed how the Green Book favours London and the south-east, leading to underinvestment in places like Bolton North East.
Secured the debate on public investment prioritisation. Welcomed the 10-year infrastructure strategy, emphasizing a shift towards viewing northern communities as high-potential rather than low-return risks.
Communities in Bolton West face obstacles to expansion and job creation due to the Green Book's prioritisation of prosperous areas, resulting in entrenched inequality.
He acknowledged the disparities but noted improvements in public expenditure per head across regions, highlighting that while London saw a significant increase, other regions like north-west and north-east also experienced substantial increases.
Welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of a full review but stresses that it must be a fundamental reform to unlock long-term investment and build a fairer Britain. Highlights how Warrington struggles due to rigged rules favouring higher land value areas.
Supports the need for fairness in public spending, citing that if the north was a country, it would rank second bottom in OECD league tables for public investment, just above Greece.
Stressed the need for decent funding for local government and empowerment of local leaders to decide on projects suitable for their areas.
Government Response
Torsten BellThe Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury
Discussed the Green Book review, highlighting its role in assessing costs and benefits of government objectives. Acknowledged concerns from mayors and Members about the framework's application and announced a review to ensure fair hearing for all regions in public funds allocation. Emphasized the Government's commitment to higher investment levels not seen since the 1970s, with £113 billion invested this Parliament. Mentioned support for local leadership through the English devolution Bill and implementation of integrated settlements. Noted investments in economic infrastructure across the country, including the trans-Pennine upgrade and strategic road network projects.