We are greatly encouraged to hear about the ambitious plans that Greater Exeter have on both energy and on congestion. Our local energy team has been working with the Heart of South West LEP to do what we can to support these aspirations for low carbon development and I will ensure that their work joins up with that of Exeter to ensure the city has all the support it needs.

Exeter has a strong competitive superfast broadband market from suppliers including BT/Openreach, Virgin Media, and Torbay Telecoms. Third party verification from Think Broadband puts superfast coverage above 97.5%.

Phase 1 of the Devon and Somerset superfast project (Connecting Devon and Somerset) has now covered over 300,000 premises with superfast broadband and further procurements are in train to extend coverage further.

The Universal Service Obligation, which we have enabling powers for in the Digital Economy Bill, will help ensure that everyone can access high speed broadband.

The Government published the Industrial Strategy Green Paper on 23 January 2017.

This document outlines how Government intends to build on the diverse strengths of our cities and regions, including Exeter, using record investment in infrastructure, research and innovation and inward investment to ensure higher growth is seen across the UK.

We welcome the views of people, businesses and organisations across the country, which is why ministers from this department are undertaking an extensive regional engagement programme and will be visiting the South-West shortly.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has not made any assessment of Exeter City Council’s proposal to make Exeter congestion free by 2025.

The DfT is committed to an integrated transport policy which addresses the important issues of traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Transport matters, it brings real change to people’s lives and that is why it is at the heart of the Government’s infrastructure agenda.

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement showed this commitment by giving new funding for the local roads network, specifically £1.1bn over 4 years to relieve congestion to increase the quality, performance and safety of the roads we use every day.

The Government recognises the role that new technology can play. On 21 February 2017, the Department announced that nineteen councils across England will receive £50,000 to £300,000 each for their ideas to improve journeys through digital innovation. These projects will feature cutting edge technology such as apps and sensors which can be used to cut congestion, improve parking in city centres and alert drivers when electric car charging points become available.