Shared Prosperity Fund 2020-12-16
2020-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discussions on the UK shared prosperity fund post-spending review. The Welsh Government has suggested joint appointment of advisers by UK and devolved governments, but there are concerns about centralisation.
With reference to the spending review 2020, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the UK shared prosperity fund? Given suggestions in the other place for joint adviser appointments, can guarantees be given that the devolved nations will have a cast-iron equal say on governance?
My right hon. Friend has been in regular discussions about the fund before and after the spending review announcement, and further engagement will take place as details are announced.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific guarantees on equal say were not provided
Further Engagement Will Take Place
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about centralisation of power by the UK government, impacting devolution. The Government's handling of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is cited as evidence.
What guarantees can he give to the devolved nations that they will have a cast-iron equal say on governance? This is pertinent given the Government's attempts to railroad through the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, showing shocking contempt towards devolution.
The Prime Minister is standing up for devolved powers at Brussels, showing commitment to Scottish and Welsh Governments. The UK Government will work with devolved Administrations to ensure proper spending of the shared prosperity fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific guarantees were not provided; focus shifted to Prime Minister's actions in Brussels
Standing Up For Devolved Powers
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Wales was due £350 million for projects next year, but only received £220 million. This raises doubts about the Government's promise of no funding loss.
Despite promises that Wales will not lose a single penny, actual figures show otherwise. Wales alone was due £350 million, receiving just £220 million for the whole UK. With millions lost, how can the Government say they have kept their promise?
The Government has kept its promise as some of the funding will still come from the EU post-transition period. The total amount to be spent remains consistent, and funds are committed to better spending and levelling up communities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific explanation on £220 million allocation was not provided
Some Funding Will Still Come From The Eu
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
After nearly four years post-referendum, clear funding criteria have not been provided. The Welsh Government and local councils agreed on a regional investment framework.
With no clear answers on future funding after three weeks from trading arrangements, the Minister is asked about allocation criteria. Can he confirm support for the devolved regional investment framework?
The Government will not make up spending criteria as they go along. Growth deals funded by UK Government have been successful, and commitment is to work with Welsh and local authorities to ensure proper spending.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation of supporting the framework was avoided
Not Make Up Criteria As We Go Along
Response accuracy