Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateRobin Walker
Main Page: Robin Walker (Conservative - Worcester)Department Debates - View all Robin Walker's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(1 year, 10 months ago)
Commons ChamberObviously, genuine additionality is the litmus test that we set for this policy, although it is vital to note that I see no harm in ensuring that, in areas where there is real opportunity, we bring good opportunities. On tax advantages, there will be a range of powers available, including on business rates relief, enhanced structures and buildings allowances, enhanced capital allowances and, critically, action on employer national insurance contributions, designed to ensure that there are incentives for new jobs in the zones.
Worcester Shrub Hill station and the area around it offer a fantastic opportunity to deliver a brownfield development that can provide jobs and homes in an area of Worcester that is closely connected to some of the more deprived areas of the city. Does my right hon. Friend therefore agree that an investment zone around Shrub Hill in Worcester, as proposed by Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire local enterprise partnership, would be a great chance to put rocket boosters under the levelling up of Worcester?
My hon. Friend makes a compelling case for his project. It is clear that the level of interest across the House in investment zones is extraordinary; we have had hundreds of applications from local authorities for these zones, which is testament to the huge appetite for growth and investment opportunities across this country, driven by a low-tax Conservative Government.