Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-Up Fund

Tuesday 27 April 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The 4.8 billion levelling-up fund invests in local infrastructure with a visible impact on communities across the United Kingdom.
  • The fund was jointly designed by the Treasury, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Transport.
  • Nick Smith asked about boosting infrastructure in south Wales, particularly the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Economy Local Government
Context

The MP inquired about the process used to evaluate bids for the levelling-up fund.

Question

How his Department determined the criteria for assessing bids to the levelling-up fund; and if he will make a statement.

Answer from Steve Barclay

The £4.8 billion levelling-up fund will invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on communities across the United Kingdom. It has been jointly designed by the Treasury, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The criteria for assessing bids was not addressed specifically.

How: Changed Subject To Overall Goals Of The Fund.

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Q2 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Economy Transport
Context

The MP expressed hope that the levelling-up fund would enhance infrastructure in south Wales, particularly highlighting improvements needed for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line.

Question

Having waited so long, I really hope that the levelling-up fund will boost infrastructure in south Wales. I have already written to the Chancellor about the improvements that are needed for the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line, to help young people especially to get to work, so can the Minister assure me that this investment will finally be seen through?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I share the hon. Gentleman's desire to boost infrastructure in south Wales, and he is quite right to focus on young people getting to work, given how impacted they have been by the pandemic. He knows that his area in particular has received additional funding for capacity, and this will enable it to bid for the levelling-up fund to address the issues that he highlights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assurance or timeline was provided regarding investment in Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line.

How: Acknowledged Desire For Improvement But Did Not Commit.

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