Government remains 'committed' to boosting Portsmouth, minister insists

THE government is ‘committed’ to the ‘economic success' of Portsmouth, a Tory minister has insisted.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Feb 2022, 13:30 BST

Updated 11th Feb 2022, 14:09 BST

Aerial photograph showing Portsmouth

Picture: Shaun Roster — Aerial photograph showing Portsmouth Picture: Shaun Roster

Simon Clarke, chief secretary to the treasury, made the statement in response to a question from Portsmouth South MP, Stephen Morgan.

Mr Morgan was demanding to know what plans the chancellor had to ‘further economic regional development’ in the city after last month’s news that Portsmouth will become an ‘HMRC strategic regional centre’.

Mr Clarke said: ‘The government is committed to the success of the Portsmouth economy.

‘For example, it was announced at Autumn Budget 2021 that Portsmouth had a successful Levelling Up Fund bid and would be given £20m to transform the visitor economy.

‘Nearly £1m was also awarded towards the cost of building the John Jenkins Stadium, as part of the community ownership fund.’

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