Lords Committee on regenerating seaside towns to hold first evidence session

On Tuesday 3 July 2018 the recently created House of Lords Regenerating Seaside Towns Committee will take oral evidence for the first time.

The Committee, appointed to consider the complex challenges faced by seaside towns, is starting its programme of public evidence sessions by talking to officials from three different Government departments.

At 3.25pm the Committee will hear from:

• Rachel Fisher, Deputy Director, Regeneration and Infrastructure, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Anne Frost, Deputy Director, Private Rented Sector, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Giles Smith, Deputy Director for Heritage, Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
• Beccy Eggleton, Deputy Director, Foundations Team, Industrial Strategy, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Questions the Committee are likely to ask include:

• How is coastal communities policy coordinated across government departments?
• How much meaningful change has happened to seaside towns as a result of the Coastal Communities Fund?
• The economies of many seaside towns continue to perform below the national average. What prevents progress?
• How is tourism being supported and the visitor economy promoted in seaside towns?
• Transport connectivity is a key issue for many seaside towns. Does the Government's Industrial Strategy include specific plans to improve transport connections for coastal regions?
• What can be done to improve the quality of housing in seaside towns, and address the legacy of former tourist accommodation?

This evidence session will take place at 3.25pm on Tuesday 3 July 2018 in Committee Room 2A of the House of Lords.