Economic Growth: Congleton

Treasury – in the House of Commons at on 4 November 2025.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sarah Russell Sarah Russell Labour, Congleton

What steps she is taking to help increase economic growth in Congleton Constituency.

Photo of Rachel Reeves Rachel Reeves The Chancellor of the Exchequer

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. She is a proud supporter of everything in the Congleton Constituency. This Government are committed to regional growth, with growth in all parts of the United Kingdom. That is why the Treasury has reformed the Green Book, looking at the value for money of different projects. It is also why, in Cheshire East, where my hon. Friend’s constituency is, we have put £47 million into local transport grant funding.

Photo of Sarah Russell Sarah Russell Labour, Congleton

I thank the Chancellor for her answer. In my Constituency, Dane Valley Community Energy, a marvellous group of volunteers, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for solar panels on schools and other local buildings, including Daneside theatre and Havannah primary school. Unfortunately, recent Government guidance has suspended applications in respect of solar panels for schools. Will the Chancellor look at that guidance and work with Ministers in other Departments to review that outcome?

Photo of Rachel Reeves Rachel Reeves The Chancellor of the Exchequer

I thank my hon. Friend for drawing this issue to my attention. I agree that community projects such as solar panels are a fantastic opportunity to get down Bills for schools so that they have more money to spend on teachers and on books. On my hon. Friend’s specific question about solar installations, there was a temporary pause in applications, but I am happy to confirm that the Department for Education has resumed approvals for solar panels on school sites. I would urge my hon. Friend to encourage the schools in her Constituency to apply for the new projects in the normal way.

constituency

In a general election, each Constituency chooses an MP to represent them. MPs have a responsibility to represnt the views of the Constituency in the House of Commons. There are 650 Constituencies, and thus 650 MPs. A citizen of a Constituency is known as a Constituent

Chancellor

The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.

bills

A proposal for new legislation that is debated by Parliament.