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Enterprise Zones: Waveney
08 December 2021
Lead MP
Peter Aldous
Waveney
Con
Responding Minister
Neil O'Brien
Tags
EconomyTaxationEnergyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural AffairsLocal Government
Word Count: 3962
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Peter Aldous raised concerns about enterprise zones: waveney in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to give full consideration to extending the rates relief incentive for a further five years and to reallocate the existing footprint of the enterprise zone by reducing the zone on South Lowestoft industrial estate by 7.8 hectares, leaving 8.8 hectares for future development.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The enterprise zones in the Waveney area have been successful, attracting £44 million in private and public sector investment, creating 916 jobs, and facilitating 44 acres of new employment space. However, with the expiry of business rates relief on most sites, there is now a need to reinvigorate these zones. The proposal includes reallocating 7.8 hectares from South Lowestoft industrial estate to areas around the port for clean energy and fishing-related developments, creating over 300 jobs and generating up to £3 million in retained business rates.
Government Response
Neil O'Brien
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous) for securing this important debate. The minister highlighted the success of enterprise zones in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, noting that they have created around 1,900 jobs, attracted over 70 businesses, and brought forward £51 million-worth of private sector investment. He also mentioned the freeports programme, which builds on what has been learned from enterprise zones. Felixstowe and Harwich were successful in their bid for a freeport, and this will provide jobs to areas surrounding these locations and attract new businesses and investments. The minister detailed that £290 million has already been invested in local growth projects in and around Waveney through the New Anglia LEP, including funds used for improved flood defences in Lowestoft harbour, the Gull Wing bridge, and town deals for areas like Lowestoft, which received £24.9 million to support ambitious local projects. The minister also discussed REAF, a local initiative focusing on sustainable fishing industry, and highlighted his enthusiasm for developing emerging industrial strengths such as offshore wind and nuclear energy in East Anglia. He acknowledged the Government's commitment to work with Members from across the House to spur long-term recovery from the pandemic.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.