Levelling-up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund 2021-11-17
2021-11-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion difference in funding for Wales over five years due to leaving the EU.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific comparative assessment requested but not provided. Only highlights Wales's benefits without addressing equity comparison to other parts of UK.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about prioritisation favouring Tory-held seats in Scotland and Wales.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledges local control but avoids addressing the specific request for greater devolution.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion funding difference over five years due to leaving the EU.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Highlights increased funding but avoids admitting the discrepancy or calling it a broken promise.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Wrexham was fortunate to win one of its two levelling-up fund bids, with the council committed to redefining the other bid.
When will round 2 of the levelling-up fund be open for bids?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Montgomeryshire has not seen such a level of investment for decades.
Mid-Wales has never seen such investment. Will the Secretary of State continue with this proper devolution and get more investment into mid-Wales?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledges investment but avoids committing to more specific action for mid-Wales beyond current approach.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the allocation of levelling-up fund and community renewal fund.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledges meetings but does not provide specific details of in-depth discussions requested.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion difference in funding over five years.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Championing The Country
Denigrating At Every Opportunity
Response accuracy