Levelling-up Projects 2025-03-03
2025-03-03
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025-26 changes the methodology for levelling-up funding, leading to concerns from the Rural Services Network about disparities in allocation.
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025-26 introduces changes to the previous methodology for the then levelling-up funding for categorising areas of priority need. The Rural Services Network has highlighted concerns and disparities that shift funding away from rural and coastal communities to urban areas. Can the Minister assure the House that any new funding formula will adequately address the unique challenges of rural and coastal communities? Will he commit to publishing the criteria by which future levelling-up funding decisions will be made?
We have been clear that for local growth funding we want to move away from the old model of competitive funding pots and beauty parades, which was short-term and based on central criteria. I can assure the hon. Lady that the model that people get from this Government will be longer term, will be allocative, will have more flexibility and will have more local leadership, and it will of course be targeted at those communities that need it the most.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specifically address the criteria for future funding decisions or provide assurance about adequately addressing rural and coastal challenges.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister visited Preston for the north's convention, highlighting investment in northern communities as a key determinant in Government decisions.
May I first thank the Secretary of State for visiting Preston last week to attend this year’s convention of the north? It was a fantastic event and reinvigorated the case for northern investment to be a key determinant in Government decisions. In that vein, can the Minister outline what conversations are being held with departmental colleagues to ensure that the opportunity of investing in the north is fully realised and understood?
I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State enjoyed her visit. Our Ministry is clear that although we have a crucial role to play in devolution, it is a whole-Government venture. We are having frequent conversations with colleagues about how to crowd-in the important policy interventions they are making, to ensure that our communities across the country have the tools and resources they need to shape their place.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on departmental conversations but mentioned a whole-Government approach to investment in northern communities.
Response accuracy