Question

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to encourage the funding for and implementation of the strategic economic plans submitted by the Northamptonshire LEP and the South East Midlands LEP (a) generally and (b) in regard to junction 10A on the A14 near Kettering.

I am pleased to say that Northamptonshire LEP has secured £67.3 million and the South East Midlands LEP £79.3 million from the Local Growth Fund. As part of these deals we have agreed that the Department for Transport will work with local partners to develop the detailed business case and design work for the proposed junction 10a on the A14 at Kettering. This will help ensure local partners can put forward a strong business case for funding.

The support secured through the Growth Deals is in addition to the £15m which the Communities Secretary announced last week to enable the delivery of 1750 new homes in East Kettering.