Levelling-up Fund Delivery of Funds 2023-06-05
2023-06-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the effectiveness of levelling-up fund criteria in awarding funds to deserving projects.
What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of criteria for awarding levelling-up funding? Only 21% of bids have been successful, and only 8% of the funds are going to Scotland. Does the Minister think we should review the criteria to make applications more efficient?
My Department has undertaken a robust assessment and decision-making process in both rounds of the levelling-up fund. We made £65 million available to help with project delivery, reflecting on lessons learned from the first two rounds. An announcement for round 3 will be made shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Reviewing criteria and making funds more efficient was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern from Bridgend County Borough Council and constituents that levelling-up funds may not be delivered as promised.
It is deeply concerning to hear that any local authority successful in the second round of levelling-up funding will get no additional funding in the third round. What assurances can the Minister give that levelling-up funding will be delivered to Ogmore?
We are reflecting on lessons learned, but no decision has yet been made on allocations for round 3. The House will be updated.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances about delivering levelling-up funding were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
North Edinburgh Arts project failed to receive funds despite being in a deprived area. Only 21% of bids are successful, and only 8% goes to Scotland.
Does the Minister think we should review criteria for awarding levelling-up funding to make applications more efficient?
I am willing to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the project, noting that allocations to Scotland meet commitments made in the first levelling-up fund prospectus.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to reviewing criteria was given.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Many local authorities, including Pembrokeshire County Council, face challenges meeting levelling-up bid scopes due to construction costs.
Can the Minister assure that support will be provided for local authorities to ensure funds are spent well on meaningful projects?
We have made £65 million available to support project development and completion, including cost engineering for inflation-related issues. Officials stand ready to help.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances about providing ongoing support were not given.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Halesowen town centre recovery and the unsuccessful levelling-up funding application for Halesowen.
Will the Minister meet to discuss improving the Halesowen bid for the third round of levelling-up funding?
My hon. Friend's council has received feedback explaining why the bid was not successful, but I am happy to meet him to discuss further.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Committee report findings on levelling-up funding lack of evidence for reduced competitive bidding and missing data on funds contributing to levelling up.
Does the Minister accept that the policy lacks a long-term substantive strategy and funding approach?
We have a long-term vision, set out in our White Paper. A funding simplification plan will be published soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete evidence of a substantive strategy and clear approach to levelling up was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Disappointment with the disorganisation regarding levelling-up directors announced but then dropped.
Will the Minister come clean? The Government have given up on levelling up by not appointing any levelling-up directors, right?
Absolutely not.
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Assessment & feedback
Attack
Response accuracy