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Green Book Review
02 April 2025
Lead MP
Sarah Russell
Congleton
Lab
Responding Minister
Torsten Bell
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 9562
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Sarah Russell raised concerns about green book review in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
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.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
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.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Thanked Mrs Russell for securing the debate and acknowledged the importance of addressing the Green Book's complexity and its impact on regional economies.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
Emphasised the need for a strategic, place-based approach to investment in towns such as Leigh and Atherton.
Kirith Entwistle
Lab
Bolton North East
Discussed how the Green Book favours London and the south-east, leading to underinvestment in places like Bolton North East.
Russell
SNP
Dunbartonshire 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.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
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.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
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.
Sarah Hall
Lab/Co-op
Warrington South
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.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
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.
Torsten Bell
Lab
City of Durham
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 Bell
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury
Government Response
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.
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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.