Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jake Berry and Julian Knight

Monday 30th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Julian Knight (Solihull) (Con)]

14. What discussions he has had with newly elected mayors on delivering economic growth.

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

I have met or corresponded with every metro Mayor in England during the last month. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is the midlands engine champion, and he chairs an inter-ministerial group to drive forward its growth.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jake Berry]

I agree with my hon. Friend that Andy Street is a prime example of how the leadership and accountability of metro Mayors drive forward our country’s economy. Only this month, he approved a bike-sharing scheme in the west midlands. Move over, Boris bikes; it is time for Street cycles.

[Julian Knight]

Does the Minister support the innovative work of Andy Street to boost the number of houses in the west midlands—absolutely key to economic growth—by intensifying the use of urban areas to take pressure off our green belt, particularly around Solihull?

[Jake Berry]

The Mayor of the west midlands, Andy Street, is determined to build the houses we need. We are supporting development across our country through the £2.3 billion housing infrastructure fund, and the outcome of the bidding process will be available shortly.