Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Cunningham Excerpts

Monday 27th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Dehenna Davison]

I am certainly happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss those levelling-up projects. We have had a huge swathe of fantastic projects that have been funded around the country.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

15. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the delivery of funds for successful levelling-up fund bids.

[Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con)]

20. What the deadline is for the next round of levelling-up fund bids.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Dehenna Davison)]

The levelling-up fund continues to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life for local residents across the UK. Levelling-up fund projects that are in delivery are closely monitored through quarterly reporting, with payments made to local authorities every six months. We have also agreed a £65 million support package to ensure that local authorities have the capacity they need to deliver. I am pleased to say that details of the next round of the levelling-up fund will be outlined in due course.

[Alex Cunningham]

For generations the people of Billingham have made a massive contribution to the British economy—through the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, among others—and they continue to do so today. Sadly, the once state-of-the-art town centre, also built on their backs, has seen better days. Can the Minister explain why, when it comes to levelling up, the Government have turned their back on those who have contributed the most and deserve investment in their town?