Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Trudy Harrison and Jake Berry

Monday 4th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Trudy Harrison (Copeland) (Con)]

T5. When the last bank in town moves out, as is happening in Millom in my constituency, what is being done to ensure that remote and rural communities do not suffer economic and social hardship?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. She is passionate about the high streets in Millom and more widely across her constituency. The loss of the last bank is of concern. That is why we are supporting the Post Office banking framework, which will ensure that 99% of personal banking customers will be able to keep their face-to-face banking at their local post office.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Trudy Harrison and Jake Berry

Monday 22nd January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Trudy Harrison (Copeland) (Con)]

20. What progress his Department has made on supporting the economies of coastal communities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)]

Since 2012, we have invested £174 million in 295 coastal communities fund projects throughout the UK. Those projects are forecast to deliver 18,000 jobs, and we have announced that round 5 of the coastal community fund, worth £40 million, will open shortly.

[Jake Berry]

My hon. Friend’s constituency has already received more than £1.5 million from the coastal communities fund, which shows how he is delivering for his constituents through his campaigning. I would be delighted to visit when I am in his area.

[Trudy Harrison]

The Social Mobility Commission’s “State of the Nation” report revealed that the socioeconomic prospects of those who live in rural coastal areas are poor. We have world-class industries and skills in many sectors, so what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that we realise our full potential?

[Jake Berry]

I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting my hon. Friend’s constituency last year, and I saw those world-class skills in action, particularly in the nuclear supply chain. I am delighted that, through our industrial strategy and the northern powerhouse, we are supporting people throughout the country, so that they can grow the economy, wherever they may reside.