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Written Question
Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission
Friday 25th June 2021

Asked by: Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative - Thurrock)

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the planned lifespan is of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission; and what its budget is per annum.

Answered by Luke Hall - Minister of State (Education)

The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission was announced at Budget 2016. The Growth Commission was tasked with developing a vision and delivery plan for the Thames Estuary up to 2050. With this task complete, the Commission has disbanded.

Government has backed the Growth Commission’s recommendation to reform governance in the Estuary, and has supported the establishment of the Thames Estuary Growth Board. The first Estuary Envoy, Kate Willard, was appointed on 30 October 2019 to chair this Board. The Thames Estuary Growth Board formally launched on 21 July 2020


The Thames Estuary Growth Board’s overall budget was £1.4 million in 2020/21. The Growth Board's operating budget for 2021/22 is subject to business case approval.


Written Question
Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission
Wednesday 11th March 2020

Asked by: Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative - Thurrock)

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the purpose is of the Thames Estuary (a) Growth Commission, (b) Growth Award and (c) Envoy; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Simon Clarke

The Government is committed to giving all towns, cities and communities across the UK, including those in Thurrock and the wider Thames Estuary, real power and investment to drive the future growth and unleash their full potential. The Thames Estuary is a major opportunity area with the potential to support growth right across the country.

When the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission was announced at Budget 2016, it was tasked with developing a vision and delivery plan for the Thames Estuary up to 2050. The Thames Estuary Growth Commission was made up of independent experts, and under the leadership of Sir John Armitt, the Commission have reported their ambitious vision and delivery plan for north Kent, south Essex and east London up to 2050. With their purpose fulfilled, the Commission has now disbanded.

Government responded to the Thames Estuary Growth Commission in March 2018, awarding £1 million to support the establishment and operation of the Thames Estuary Growth Board.

The Growth Board's purpose is to help stimulate growth in the economy across the Estuary. The Growth Board is made up of local authorities and private sector members and is seeking to represent the diversity of the communities it serves.

On 30 October 2019, Kate Willard was appointed as the first Estuary Envoy and the Chair of the new Growth Board. The Envoy is working to convene partners across the area and is a ‘single voice’ for the Thames Estuary to advocate for the area at a national and international level.


Written Question
Small Businesses: Non-domestic Rates
Monday 15th December 2014

Asked by: Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative - Thurrock)

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of small firms and shops in (a) England and (b) Thurrock which will have a reduction in business rates in 2015-16.

Answered by Penny Mordaunt - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons

I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier answer at oral questions today to my hon. Friend, the Member for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham), PQ 906620.

Our retail relief is benefitting 450 businesses in Thurrock and Small Business Rate Relief is benefiting 950 businesses.

Our rates retention scheme gives authorities a strong growth incentive. Councils benefit from nearly £11 billion under the scheme.