Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Wednesday 23 June 2021 · 4 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 community renewal fund worth 220 million closed for applications last week.
  • The prospectus for the shared prosperity fund will be published later this year.
  • The Prime Minister has assured that plans to replace EU structural funds will at least match previous figures, with a total of 1.5 billion.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cherilyn Mackrory
Economy
Context

The UK is replacing EU structural funds with the shared prosperity fund, which will impact how taxpayer money is spent.

Question

What progress has been made in establishing the UK shared prosperity fund? The community renewal fund worth £220 million was closed for applications last week. What further details can be provided about distributing these funds and future plans?

Answer from Alister Jack

The community renewal fund worth £220 million closed for applications last week. The prospectus for the shared prosperity fund will be published later this year. The Prime Minister has assured that plans to replace EU structural funds will at least match previous figures, with a total of £1.5 billion from April 2022.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about fair distribution but the answer focused on general progress and assurances without specifics on distribution methods for coastal and rural areas.

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Q2 Cherilyn Mackrory
Economy Scotland
Context

Scotland played a role in determining EU structural funding allocation, reflecting the priorities of local voters. The UK is now replacing these with the shared prosperity fund.

Question

Can you assure me that Scotland and all other coastal and rural areas will receive their fair share of shared prosperity funding, and will the distribution be tailored for economic needs?

Answer from Alister Jack

The community renewal fund will start this year with £1.5 billion total by April 2022 for the UK shared prosperity fund. The Prime Minister has provided assurances that plans to replace structural funds will at least match previous figures, and local communities will receive their fair share.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner sought assurance on tailored distribution but received a general statement without specifics about how the funding would be tailored for economic needs of coastal areas like Cornwall.

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Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

Under EU structural funding, the Scottish Government played a role in determining allocation based on democratic choices of voters. The UK is now replacing these funds with the shared prosperity fund.

Question

Will you commit to giving devolved Governments a formal say in delivering the shared prosperity fund to ensure that democratic working continues?

Answer from Alister Jack

The UK Government will work with all responsible delivery partners, including local communities and authorities, ensuring that projects respond to local needs.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a formal commitment but received an answer about working with local authorities without mentioning the devolved government's role.

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Q4 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Scotland
Context

Alasdair Houston, an influential entrepreneur in Scottish tourism and agriculture, passed away. His legacy includes the Star of Caledonia project.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to Alasdair Houston's achievements? Can he also agree that whatever form the shared prosperity fund takes, it should reflect his spirit and support inspirational projects like the Star?

Answer from Alister Jack

I join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute to Alasdair Houston, a proud Scot and champion for Gretna and the Star of Caledonia. He will be missed by many.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about reflecting Alasdair's spirit in the shared prosperity fund but received a tribute without any mention of the fund or its alignment with Houston's legacy.

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