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Written Question
Productivity
Wednesday 16th September 2026

Asked by: Seema Malhotra (Labour (Co-op) - Feltham and Heston)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis he has undertaken on the reasons for variations in regional productivity; and what steps he is taking to reduce those variations.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Office for National Statistics data indicates that both London and the South East had productivity levels above the UK average in 2023 (the most up-to-date available data). All other regions had productivity levels lower than the UK average, with the lowest levels in Wales (15.1% lower than average) and West Midlands (14.8% lower than average).

Differences in productivity reflects a number of factors, including differences in historical infrastructure and capital investment and the sectoral composition of a region's economy.

The Government is committed to supporting regional growth: fundamentally rewiring the way our country works, transferring greater powers, funding and accountability to the local leaders who know what it takes to drive growth in their areas. In support of this, the government is investing in the infrastructure needed to support our city regions and growth corridors to grow, including an up to £45bn commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail. The Government is maintaining momentum on our broader Northern and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Strategies, including a new £150m scale-up fund aimed at the fastest growing businesses in the North of England, delivered by the British Business Bank.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 15 Sep 2026
Oral Answers to Questions

"I am pleased that the Government are extending intensive supervision courts, which combine rehabilitation with close judicial oversight, as I saw once on a visit to Texas. Tackling the causes of crime and interrupting the cycle of reoffending not only reduces crime, but helps people back into sustainable relationships and …..."
Seema Malhotra - View Speech

View all Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 14 Sep 2026
Oral Answers to Questions

"I welcome the recent announcement of new technical education pathways at GCSE level, which will hugely benefit pupils in Feltham and Heston and across the country. Through visits to Germany, Singapore and Australia, I have seen how we can build opportunities for increased partnerships including internationally with world-leading specialist training …..."
Seema Malhotra - View Speech

View all Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Division Vote (Commons)
11 Sep 2026 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 153 Labour No votes vs 190 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 270 Noes - 286
Division Vote (Commons)
11 Sep 2026 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 209 Labour Aye votes vs 115 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 293 Noes - 218
Division Vote (Commons)
10 Sep 2026 - Social Housing Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 245 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 77 Noes - 292
Division Vote (Commons)
9 Sep 2026 - Plant Health - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 317 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 371 Noes - 100
Division Vote (Commons)
8 Sep 2026 - Health Bill - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 293 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 106 Noes - 302
Division Vote (Commons)
8 Sep 2026 - Health Bill - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 289 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 162 Noes - 297
Division Vote (Commons)
8 Sep 2026 - Health Bill - View Vote Context
Seema Malhotra (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 292 Labour No votes vs 3 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 108 Noes - 357