Spring Statement

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

No, I do not have a full list of all SMEs in front of me, and I am not sure that that is a sensible question to ask me, if I am honest. Everyone is clear that we have a very clear small business strategy. We are helping small businesses to expand and grow, and to trade with the European Union.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, the fact is that areas such as South Yorkshire suffered from years of economic mismanagement and underinvestment by the previous Government. This Statement shows that, by stabilising the economy and investing in construction, defence and clean energy industries, the Government, with a hands-on approach, can create highly skilled, well-paid jobs and stimulate growth. But can my noble friend the Minister assure me that there will be a laser-like approach to areas such as South Yorkshire, which have been neglected for too long?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am grateful to my noble friend for that question and yes, I absolutely can give her that assurance. The Chancellor’s construction skills announcement yesterday—referred to by the noble Baroness, Lady Neville-Rolfe, in her opening comments –shows that, over this Parliament, the Government are funding a £625 million package to boost skills in the construction sector. This is expected to provide up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers to support the Government’s plans to deliver 1.5 million homes and progress vital infrastructure projects right across our country.

My noble friend talks about the importance of regional growth in areas such as South Yorkshire. As she knows, growth is the central mission of this Government. Through the growth mission the Government are restoring stability, increasing investment and reforming the economy in order to drive up prosperity and living standards across every single region of the UK—in our cities, our towns and our communities. So far, we have done a considerable amount of work to increase growth and living standards throughout the country, but I am very aware there is a lot more to do.