Asked by: Robin Millar (Conservative - Aberconwy)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of freeports on the economy.
Answered by John Glen - Shadow Paymaster General
By encouraging investment in specific sites through a package of benefits and offering a business-friendly environment, Freeports will create high-skilled jobs and drive productivity. In turn, this will ensure sustainable economic growth and regeneration for communities that need it most. The economic impact of individual bids was an important factor in deciding successful freeport locations, and is further assessed through the business case process.
Asked by: Robin Millar (Conservative - Aberconwy)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress his Department has made in levelling up all regions of the UK.
Answered by Helen Whately - Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Levelling up is our defining mission. It was the golden thread running through the Autumn Budget and Spending Review.
We are supporting businesses to thrive through expanded British Business Bank programmes, including a £130 million new investment fund in Wales.
We are supporting local infrastructure with £121 million for 10 projects in Wales through the first round of the Levelling Up Fund. And we are launching the over £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund.