Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Fund: Delivery of Funds

Monday 5 June 2023 · 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

  • Christine Jardine inquired about reviewing the criteria for awarding levelling-up funding to improve efficiency.
  • Chris Elmore questioned the assurances for delivering levelling-up funding to his constituency of Ogmore.
  • Clive Betts asked if the Minister acknowledges a lack of long-term substantive strategy and funding approach for levelling-up initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Economy Local Government
Context

Concern about the effectiveness of levelling-up fund criteria in awarding funds to deserving projects.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of criteria for awarding levelling-up funding? Only 21% of bids have been successful, and only 8% of the funds are going to Scotland. Does the Minister think we should review the criteria to make applications more efficient?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

My Department has undertaken a robust assessment and decision-making process in both rounds of the levelling-up fund. We made £65 million available to help with project delivery, reflecting on lessons learned from the first two rounds. An announcement for round 3 will be made shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reviewing criteria and making funds more efficient was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Local Government
Context

Concern from Bridgend County Borough Council and constituents that levelling-up funds may not be delivered as promised.

Question

It is deeply concerning to hear that any local authority successful in the second round of levelling-up funding will get no additional funding in the third round. What assurances can the Minister give that levelling-up funding will be delivered to Ogmore?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

We are reflecting on lessons learned, but no decision has yet been made on allocations for round 3. The House will be updated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances about delivering levelling-up funding were not provided.

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Q3 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Economy Local Government
Context

North Edinburgh Arts project failed to receive funds despite being in a deprived area. Only 21% of bids are successful, and only 8% goes to Scotland.

Question

Does the Minister think we should review criteria for awarding levelling-up funding to make applications more efficient?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

I am willing to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the project, noting that allocations to Scotland meet commitments made in the first levelling-up fund prospectus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to reviewing criteria was given.

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Q4 Stephen Crabb Con
Local Government
Context

Many local authorities, including Pembrokeshire County Council, face challenges meeting levelling-up bid scopes due to construction costs.

Question

Can the Minister assure that support will be provided for local authorities to ensure funds are spent well on meaningful projects?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

We have made £65 million available to support project development and completion, including cost engineering for inflation-related issues. Officials stand ready to help.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurances about providing ongoing support were not given.

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Q5 James Morris Con
Local Government
Context

Halesowen town centre recovery and the unsuccessful levelling-up funding application for Halesowen.

Question

Will the Minister meet to discuss improving the Halesowen bid for the third round of levelling-up funding?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

My hon. Friend's council has received feedback explaining why the bid was not successful, but I am happy to meet him to discuss further.

Answered
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Q6 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Economy Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Committee report findings on levelling-up funding lack of evidence for reduced competitive bidding and missing data on funds contributing to levelling up.

Question

Does the Minister accept that the policy lacks a long-term substantive strategy and funding approach?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

We have a long-term vision, set out in our White Paper. A funding simplification plan will be published soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete evidence of a substantive strategy and clear approach to levelling up was not provided.

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Q7 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
Context

Disappointment with the disorganisation regarding levelling-up directors announced but then dropped.

Question

Will the Minister come clean? The Government have given up on levelling up by not appointing any levelling-up directors, right?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

Absolutely not.

How: Attack

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