Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund

Wednesday 17 November 2021 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Wales is receiving above its population share from the levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund.
  • Round 2 of the levelling-up fund will open for bids in early next year.
  • The Secretary of State plans to meet the First Minister to discuss the shared prosperity fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Wales
Context

Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion difference in funding for Wales over five years due to leaving the EU.

Question

What comparative assessment has been made of the equity of allocations from the levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund to Wales compared to the rest of the UK?

Answer from Simon Hart

Wales is benefiting greatly, receiving above its population share from all three funds: 7% in the levelling-up fund first round, 9% in the community ownership fund, and a remarkable 23% of the UK community renewal fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific comparative assessment requested but not provided. Only highlights Wales's benefits without addressing equity comparison to other parts of UK.

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Q2 Owen Thompson SNP
Wales Local Government
Context

Concerns about prioritisation favouring Tory-held seats in Scotland and Wales.

Question

The principle behind the funds is fine, but the prioritisation of Tory-held seats reveals them to be pork barrel politics. Will the Secretary of State accept greater devolution for beneficial local control?

Answer from Simon Hart

These funds allow 22 local authorities and stakeholders in Wales to have a say, with Labour areas receiving 44% of UK community renewal fund, Plaid Cymru 24%, independents 17%, and Conservatives 15%. The Welsh Government does not have a monopoly on wisdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledges local control but avoids addressing the specific request for greater devolution.

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Q3 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Wales Brexit
Context

Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion funding difference over five years due to leaving the EU.

Question

Let us be clear that independent estimates tell us there will be a £4 billion difference in funding. Will the Secretary of State admit this is another Brexit broken promise?

Answer from Simon Hart

Settlement for Wales has improved from £15.9 billion to £18 billion, plus additional levelling-up fund, community renewal fund, and other EU tail-off funds. Total investment is £300 million above previous levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Highlights increased funding but avoids admitting the discrepancy or calling it a broken promise.

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Q4 Sarah Atherton
Local Government
Context

Wrexham was fortunate to win one of its two levelling-up fund bids, with the council committed to redefining the other bid.

Question

When will round 2 of the levelling-up fund be open for bids?

Answer from Simon Hart

Round 2 will open in early next year. Local authorities that were not successful in the first round can discuss their applications with officials to improve them for success in the second round.

Answered
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Q5 Craig Williams Con
Wales
Context

Montgomeryshire has not seen such a level of investment for decades.

Question

Mid-Wales has never seen such investment. Will the Secretary of State continue with this proper devolution and get more investment into mid-Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

Every area in Wales has benefited from these schemes, unlike previous arrangements. Feedback and contributions have been positive and engaging with local authorities across Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledges investment but avoids committing to more specific action for mid-Wales beyond current approach.

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Q6 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Economy Wales
Context

Concern about the allocation of levelling-up fund and community renewal fund.

Question

With meaningful consultation, we can reduce risk. What in-depth discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Welsh Government on the shared prosperity fund?

Answer from Simon Hart

Aside from stressing consultation on a range of these things, I am hoping to meet the First Minister later this week to discuss them. We are engaging with more people than ever before.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledges meetings but does not provide specific details of in-depth discussions requested.

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Q7 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Wales Brexit
Context

Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion difference in funding over five years.

Question

Turning to the amount of those funds, the figures are indisputable: EU funding for Wales would mean at least £375 million new money this year. So with just £46 million for the community renewal fund, the Tories are leaving Wales £330 million worse off. Will the Secretary of State now pledge that in transition to shared prosperity fund Wales will receive not a penny less than under EU funding?

Answer from Simon Hart

Wales has benefited with record settlement. The shadow Secretary of State should be more optimistic about Wales's future and champion investment creation in Wales instead of denigrating it.

How: Championing The Country, Denigrating At Every Opportunity

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