Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Cunningham Excerpts

Monday 6th June 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

The taper is designed to ensure that it always pays to work. I reassure the hon. Lady and her constituents that many things—child benefit, tax credits, personal independence payments—are not taken into account under this policy.

[Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab)]

10. If he will take steps to increase the number of civil servants of his Department based in Coventry.

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

There are currently no plans for the Department to open new government offices in Coventry, but we welcome the significant economic growth the city has enjoyed and we welcome the £89.4 million investment that the Warwickshire and Coventry growth deal is delivering for the local economy. We want Coventry—in particular, its private sector—to continue to grow. The contribution of businesses in Coventry is quite incredible. I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s question in focusing attention on the good work that has been done.

[Mr Cunningham]

I thank the Minister for that answer, but surely he agrees that in having elected mayors for the regions it should follow that the civil servants are dispersed to areas like Coventry? Friargate would be a good site.