Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of establishing dedicated funding mechanisms for coastal and former industrial towns not directly impacted by growth in nearby city regions.

Growth is this Governments’ number one priority, and our city regions are identified as a key driver of this. Backing our major city regions is about creating strong growth for their whole areas, not just city centres, so that communities in the surrounding towns within commuting reach can benefit.

Growth priorities achieved through MSA Local Growth Plans will be beneficial for all places, boosting overall regional productivity while also reducing inequalities within regions. Everywhere has an important role to play in driving local growth, with many local authorities having or developing local economic strategies

We are supporting places across the country with our Pride in Place programme, which empowers communities to decide how they would like to shape their area and will provide up to £5.8bn funding and support over 10 years to 284 areas, including many coastal and former industrial areas.