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Written question asked by Iqbal Mohamed (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 5 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. It was answered by Nesil Caliskan (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Freeports: Job Creation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the findings of the Fourth Report of the Business and Trade Committee of session 2023-24 on the levels of job creation from existing freeports compared to those that were forecast, whether his Department has conducted a review of the long-term economic case for existing, and expanding Freeports, Special Economic Zones, Investment Zones, and Industrial Strategy Zones.

Answer

The Modern Industrial Strategy published in June 2025 will increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the UK. Industrial Strategy Zones (ISZs) are the UK’s primary place-based growth interventions, I will therefore refer to ISZs when answering your questions:

There are 22 ISZs in delivery across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland comprising nine Freeports, ten Investment Zones (IZs) and three regions with both a Freeport and IZ. We do not hold information on the total land area they cover, however, maps of Investment Zones can be found here and maps of Freeports can be found here.

ISZs do not operate under separate legal regimes. Businesses must comply with all applicable UK laws, standards and protections, including on workers’ rights, as reflected in programme guidance and funding agreements.

Each ISZ has a named public authority which acts as its accountable body, ensuring the transparent functioning of the ISZ and the proper management of public funding. Oversight and transparency has been strengthened further through the Industrial Strategy Zones Action Plan, including greater mayoral oversight in England and the publication of Freeport board minutes.

The Government will publish an evaluation in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7269
Session
2026-27
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Job creation Freeports
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk