Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps his Department is taking to reduce unemployment in constituencies with high levels of unemployment.

In 2010 we inherited the UK’s largest deficit since the second world war at 9.9% of GDP. We set out a clear framework to restore confidence in the economy and reduce the deficit which has fallen by three quarters. At just 4.3% our unemployment rate is at its lowest in over 40 years and down from 8.0% in 2010. The economy is now operating with near record high employment and more than 70% of the increase to employment since 2010 has been outside of London.

The government is proud of this record but not complacent. That is why we have introduced new targeted employment support to help young people, people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed this year. We are also committed to building strong city regions led by elected mayors. Devolution deals have given a number of areas greater involvement in the provision of localised and targeted employment support.