Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up and Shared Prosperity Funds

Monday 14 June 2021 · 3 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

  • Ministerial funds can be used in devolved policy areas, and councils are encouraged to form direct relationships with the UK Government.
  • Local authorities in Scotland can consult with devolved Administrations and the UK Government will seek advice at the shortlisting stage.
  • All information regarding levelling-up funds is published on gov.uk.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martin Docherty SNP
Scotland Local Government
Context

The MP discusses the levelling-up fund and UK shared prosperity fund, noting concerns about democratic engagement in Scotland.

Question

I have been involved in discussions with my local authority regarding the levelling-up fund; however, it occurred to me last week that there was something of a democratic deficit in the process. Given that the fund can be used in devolved policy areas, why is there no mechanism for councils to formally consult their Scottish Parliament representatives? Will the Minister advise what his Government are doing to ensure projects are realised with as much collaboration as possible?

Answer from Luke Hall

There is nothing at all to stop councils consulting with or speaking to the Scottish Government before submitting their bid. The funds are about localism, encouraging direct relationships between local authorities and the UK Government. We will speak to devolved Administrations at the shortlisting stage of bids to seek advice on conflicts with policies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing the specific ask for formal consultation mechanisms.

How: Changed Subject, Repeated Positive Statements

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Martin Docherty SNP
Scotland Brexit Local Government
Context

The MP criticises the centralised approach of the UK Government, highlighting lack of involvement from devolved Administrations in spending decisions.

Question

There is not one new penny of money available for these funds. The EU structural funding had direct involvement of Ministers from devolved nations. How can the Minister now justify a centralised Whitehall-led approach that cuts out directly elected Governments of devolved nations?

Answer from Luke Hall

There is new money being invested through the UK community renewal fund. £220 million is invested to trial priorities and projects ahead of the introduction of the UKSPF. Local authorities in Scotland can consult with devolved Administrations, and we will seek advice at the shortlisting stage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids justifying the centralised approach directly.

How: Repeated Positive Statements, Accusatory Language

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Patricia Gibson SNP
Scotland Standards & Ethics Local Government
Context

The Public Accounts Committee delivered a damning verdict on the towns fund, stating lack of transparency and reasoning for selection or exclusion.

Question

In view of the Public Accounts Committee's criticism, what specific measures will be announced today to ensure transparency and freedom from political bias in the distribution of levelling-up funds?

Answer from Luke Hall

All information is published on gov.uk. The Government are supporting communities in Scotland that have been let down by nationalists for many years. We are investing billions of pounds in people, infrastructure, regeneration, transport, and high street refurbishments.

Not addressed: The answer does not address transparency or political bias measures at all.

How: Changed Subject, Accusatory Language

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email