Rebalancing Regional Economies Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rachel Gilmour
Main Page: Rachel Gilmour (Liberal Democrat - Tiverton and Minehead)Department Debates - View all Rachel Gilmour's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rebalancing Regional Economies
Rachel Gilmour Excerpts(2 days ago)
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Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)
I beg to move,
That this House has considered the potential merits of rebalancing regional economies.
It is a true pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Dowd. This Government have rightly prioritised growth, devolution and the need for growth to be seen in all regions and nations. Last year’s Budget and this year’s spring statement freed up £113 billion of infrastructure investment. Huge amounts of work are being done to develop industrial strategies that will drive forward key sectors. We have new trade deals, and have seen the corporate world commit record levels of investment in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and many more sectors.
Brilliant stuff—but what does it actually mean to the people of Rossendale and Darwen, Blackpool, Winsford, Macclesfield, or Cornwall? Clearly not much yet, given the kicking we got in the local elections. These small towns and coastal communities are the places where productivity is lowest.
Rachel Gilmour (Tiverton and Minehead) (LD)
My constituency is both rural and coastal, which presents a unique set of challenges in terms of deprivation and neglect. Urban areas often receive targeted investment, but rural and coastal communities can be overlooked. Does the hon. Member agree that the Government must adopt a tailored approach, taking into account the rural premium in the index of multiple deprivation, to specifically address the distinct needs of such areas and unlock their significant economic potential?
Andy MacNae
I agree with the hon. Member; her point is largely the thrust of my speech, so hopefully I will align with her thinking.