Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Wednesday 18 May 2022 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Davies asked about recent discussions on the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on regional inequality in Scotland.
  • The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides 212 million for local investment, offering greater flexibility than previous funding.
  • Kirsten Oswald inquired about steps to remedy the 40% funding shortfall for Scotland after the loss of EU funding.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Davies Con
Economy Scotland
Context

The question arises from the need to understand how the UKSPF will address regional inequalities.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on regional inequality in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Rangers, that great British football club, are in Seville tonight for the Europa league final. All areas in Scotland will receive an allocation of UKSPF via a needs-based funding formula. Local leaders are empowered to design their own interventions in line with the levelling up missions.

Not addressed: Discussion on impact of UKSPF on regional inequality in Scotland

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 James Davies Con
Economy Scotland
Context

The question is about the effectiveness of current funding compared to past structural funds in addressing regional inequalities.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend kindly explain how the allocation of SPF funding in Scotland and across the rest of the UK will help level up those communities more effectively than the previous structural funding?

Answer from Alister Jack

The UK shared prosperity fund provides £212 million of new funding for local investment. Local partners have greater flexibility than before, and allocations are based on a needs-based assessment including tailored proportions for rural areas in Scotland.

Answered
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Q3 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Scotland
Context

The question stems from a significant reduction in EU funding that Scotland would have received, affecting regional development.

Question

Scotland has been short-changed by the loss of EU funding, leaving a 40% reduction. What steps are being taken to ensure this shortfall is remedied fast?

Answer from Alister Jack

The funding is tapered with UK structural funds, providing control over spending decisions. EU and UK structural funds are tapered without a total reduction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to remedy the shortfall

How: Clarification

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Q4 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses a breach in the promise to match EU structural funding post-Brexit, affecting specific organisations.

Question

Ministers assured that UKSPF would maintain EU structural funding after Brexit. For EMEC and other Interreg projects, what is being done to ensure matching funding as promised?

Answer from Alister Jack

Discussions with EMEC are ongoing between my office, BEIS, and DLHHC. Further progress is needed. I am happy to offer a face-to-face meeting with EMEC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions taken for matching funding

How: Offer Of Meeting

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