UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2022-05-18
2022-05-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to understand how the UKSPF will address regional inequalities.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on regional inequality in Scotland?
Rangers, that great British football club, are in Seville tonight for the Europa league final. All areas in Scotland will receive an allocation of UKSPF via a needs-based funding formula. Local leaders are empowered to design their own interventions in line with the levelling up missions.
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Assessment & feedback
Discussion on impact of UKSPF on regional inequality in Scotland
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is about the effectiveness of current funding compared to past structural funds in addressing regional inequalities.
Will my right hon. Friend kindly explain how the allocation of SPF funding in Scotland and across the rest of the UK will help level up those communities more effectively than the previous structural funding?
The UK shared prosperity fund provides £212 million of new funding for local investment. Local partners have greater flexibility than before, and allocations are based on a needs-based assessment including tailored proportions for rural areas in Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a significant reduction in EU funding that Scotland would have received, affecting regional development.
Scotland has been short-changed by the loss of EU funding, leaving a 40% reduction. What steps are being taken to ensure this shortfall is remedied fast?
The funding is tapered with UK structural funds, providing control over spending decisions. EU and UK structural funds are tapered without a total reduction.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to remedy the shortfall
Clarification
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses a breach in the promise to match EU structural funding post-Brexit, affecting specific organisations.
Ministers assured that UKSPF would maintain EU structural funding after Brexit. For EMEC and other Interreg projects, what is being done to ensure matching funding as promised?
Discussions with EMEC are ongoing between my office, BEIS, and DLHHC. Further progress is needed. I am happy to offer a face-to-face meeting with EMEC.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions taken for matching funding
Offer Of Meeting
Response accuracy