Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will make financial support available to provide incentives for businesses to relocate and operate from designated business parks in Peterlee and Seaham where there is significant under-occupancy.

Government has actively supported and invested in the creation of a network of Growth Hubs to provide businesses with tailored advice and support at the local level. Growth Hubs are locally-driven and led by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

LEPs, through their Growth Hubs, are best placed to determine appropriate arrangements for delivering business support locally, such as advice on or support to help with businesses relocation or expansion of premises.

In Peterlee and Seaham this support is delivered by the North East Growth Hub. Further details on the advice and funding they are able to provide can be accessed via: https://www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk.

The North East LEP also manages an Investment Fund which is aimed at encouraging local economic growth and creating jobs. This fund can support capital projects such as the new construction, expansion, or renovation of existing facilities. This is backed by £45 million of funding provided by Government.