Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to support the expansion of cultural infrastructure in Bradford as part of the Northern Powerhouse policy initiative.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We are committed to investment in cultural infrastructure in the Northern Powerhouse, including in Bradford. For example, Arts Council England has provided £1m to support the Yorkshire Festival, which runs from 16 June to 3 July in various locations across Yorkshire, including Bradford. In addition, we are currently inviting bids from cities to host the Great Exhibition North. This will celebrate the art, design and culture of the North and the £15m Legacy Fund will pave the way for further cultural investment in the Northern Powerhouse.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average cost of floor space (a) will be at the planned HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office in Leeds and (b) is at the HMRC offices in Bradford.
Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) location decisions were based on a number of key principles to enable it to deliver more for less. These plans will generate estate savings of up to £100 million a year by 2025 across HMRC’s entire estate. It will do this at a lower cost to the taxpayer by using the best of modern technology and basing its staff in modern and more cost-effective buildings.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the business case on the closure of the HM Revenue and Customs offices in Bradford.
Answered by David Gauke
HM Revenue and Customs has based its decisions on the locations of the future regional centres on a number of key principles including retention of its current staff and skills, access to a pipeline of talent and local and national transport links. In this context it will be locating its Regional Centre for Yorkshire and the Humber in Leeds.