Shared Prosperity Fund 2020-07-20
2020-07-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK has received over €10 billion in structural funding since 2014 as an EU member, and now faces economic uncertainty post-Brexit.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government on the shared prosperity fund? This vague waffle on timelines and content just will not cut it. The UK is staring at economic disaster with no information on what will replace EU structural funds. Will the Minister guarantee that areas like Fife will not see any reduction in funding?
The 2019 Conservative party manifesto committed at a minimum to matching the size of EU structural funds in each nation. It is very important that we get these decisions right. This is, after all, an enormous sum of money—our money—sent formally to the EU and then top-sliced and sent back to us with conditions. I very much look forward to controlling it for ourselves.
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Assessment & feedback
Minister did not provide a specific guarantee about avoiding funding reductions in Fife or other areas post-Brexit.
Vague Waffle
Did Not Address Economic Concerns
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Institute for Fiscal Studies published a report four years after the Brexit vote, highlighting that it is “high time” we had clarity on Government schemes.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government on the shared prosperity fund? The IFS reported that it is high time we had some idea of where the Government are going. Does the Minister agree with Alyn Smith, the Scottish Government, and other devolved Governments that it is high time to have clarity on these schemes?
It is obviously importantly that we provide that clarity—I wholly agree with the hon. Gentleman—and we are going to provide that clarity after the cross-government spending review in the autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The IFS report suggested that it was disconcerting that the shared prosperity fund had still not been finalised.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government on the shared prosperity fund? The IFS said it is disconcerting that the shared prosperity fund is still not finalised. Will the Minister commit to continuing existing EU funding allocations for one more year?
Obviously, I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's characterisation of the Government. We are working very hard to ensure that we deliver on the decision to leave the European Union. We will be in a position to give full details on the UK shared prosperity fund after the cross-government spending review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did Not Accept Criticism
Promised Clarity Post-Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Communities and local governments need clarity on future funding arrangements before the transition period ends.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government on the shared prosperity fund? Five months before the transition period ends, there is still lots of talk about future funding but no details. Last month, the Minister promised inquiries but only more promises. Does he appreciate that communities cannot afford to wait and need clarity now?
My officials meet fortnightly with those of the Scottish Government, and it is obviously very important that we maintain that dialogue. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), we are clear that we are prepared to have talks at ministerial level with our Scottish counterparts.
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Assessment & feedback
Promised More Meetings
Offered Minister-Level Talks
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
There is much talk but little detail on the stronger towns fund, which is important for levelling up economic imbalances.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Scottish Government on the shared prosperity fund? Endless meetings do not give answers to communities and local governments who need clarity. Will the Minister advise us today when Scotland will receive details and a timeline for the stronger towns fund?
The stronger towns fund is a vital part of our levelling-up work. I make no apologies whatsoever for saying that it is a really important tool to rectify long-standing economic imbalances in the country. The Barnett formula will be applied to investment for England in the normal way at the spending review.
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Assessment & feedback
Promised Clarity Post-Spending Review
Response accuracy