Question

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership on devolving powers and responsibilities from Whitehall.

Last week I announced a £46.1 million extension to the South East LEPs Growth Deal, which brings total Growth Deal investment in the South East to over £488 million. This investment will have a direct and significant impact in Southend and provides for the further expansion of London Southend Airport onto a 55-acre site to create a high end Business Park, 858 homes and up to 2600 new jobs.

This expanded Growth Deal builds on the successes of the Southend City Deal which, is predicted to secure direct business support for over 1,000 businesses.