Levelling Up Communities 2022-03-16
2022-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the implementation of levelling-up initiatives in Scotland, specifically addressing disparities and economic challenges.
What steps his Department is taking to level up communities across Scotland. Eight Scottish projects are receiving a share of £171 million from round 1 of the levelling-up fund, which will create jobs and boost productivity. How does this continue in future rounds?
The benefits of round 1 have already been realised with £171 million allocated to eight projects. Round 2 will open in spring, alongside another major fund, the UK shared prosperity fund, providing £2.6 billion by March 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how round 2 funding will be distributed or if it targets specific areas of Scotland.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for targeted support in rural parts of Scotland, emphasizing inclusivity from islands to lowlands.
What levelling-up plans are there specifically for the rural areas of Scotland? The Outer Hebrides, Orkney, highlands and lowlands should all benefit. How does this happen?
All parts of Scotland will receive a share of the UK shared prosperity fund with £2.6 billion allocated by March 2025, and a new islands forum is established in the levelling-up White Paper to facilitate dialogue between island communities and the Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how the fund will be distributed or ensure outcomes can be measured against recognisable targets.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question criticises the uneven and potentially politically motivated distribution of levelling-up funds, seeking to improve collaboration with devolved governments for better outcomes.
A former European regional development fund recipient criticised levelling-up funding as akin to random confetti due to its unpredictability and potential for political favouritism. Why won't the Government work directly with devolved Governments to ensure dovetailing of efforts?
The hon. Member's constituency benefits from multimillion-pound investment in Granton regeneration, making her position contradictory to criticism of pork-barrel politics.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the concerns about funding distribution or collaboration with devolved governments.
Redirecting The Question Back At The Mp
Response accuracy