Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Mak Excerpts

Monday 27th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Barwell]

This Government have increased discretionary housing payment to £870 million across this Parliament; that is a 55% increase, and thus far 60% of—[Interruption.] The hon. Lady says it is nowhere near enough; 60% of local councils have not taken up their full allocation.

[Mr Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)]

18. What steps he is taking to support local growth.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Andrew Percy)]

We are supporting local growth through the £1.8 billion local growth fund, £31 million of which was recently announced for my hon. Friend’s local enterprise partnership in the Solent.

[Mr Mak]

I thank the Minister for his answer. Solent LEP has played a key role in delivering the Havant business support fund and the Dunsbury Park business park. Will the Minister continue to support LEPs so that Members of this House, councils and businesses continue to reform to work together to drive economic growth?

[Andrew Percy]

Absolutely, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on his work in securing the funding for the Havant business support fund. LEPs are playing an important role across the country; they are helping to drive economic growth, and they continue to have our support.