Levelling-up Fund Round 2: Bidding Process

The Member criticised the Government's levelling-up policy for failing to address regional inequalities, wasted time in bidding processes, and broken promises on development funding. He highlighted that while some areas were successful in securing funds, they were still worse off due to previous budget cuts. Alex Norris called for a sustained transfer of power and resources from Whitehall to local communities.

Alison Thewliss expressed disappointment over unsuccessful bids in her constituency, criticising the competition-based approach of the fund allocation. She highlighted two specific projects: one for the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, which celebrates its 125th anniversary but faces maintenance issues due to lack of funding; another for transport aimed at greening the city centre. Thewliss questioned why these bids were rejected despite initial suggestions they had a good chance of acceptance, noting that Glasgow City Council lost £500,000 on one bid. She also mentioned a project by Clyde Gateway aimed at removing chromium contamination from Shawfield to support development and job creation.

Asked why the Scottish Government does not fund an important project considering economic development is a devolved function, and questioned if they have tax-varying powers to support such projects. Alun Cairns expressed disappointment that the Barry Making Waves project was not successful in round 2 and defended the policy's objective to support communities left behind. He questioned why some projects were successful despite similar economic conditions, suggesting a need for clearer explanation from officials on scoring criteria. Alun highlighted the lack of significant economic development in Wales despite substantial European aid investment and called for detailed analysis of successful bids to inform future applications. Asked to give way for an intervention but the content of the intervention was not provided. In an intervention, Alun Cairns requested a brief opportunity for further questioning.

Questioned if local authorities had their bids changed at the last minute by ministerial interference because of previous funding in round one. Local authorities were advised at the last minute that they were ineligible for round 2 funding if they received it in round 1, which is scandalous. Chris Stephens questions whether local authorities were told about this eligibility rule before submitting their bids and asks when local authorities will be informed of their scores to understand where they went wrong.

Proposed to start the debate early due to all participants being present, suggesting it continue until 6:30 pm.

Supports levelling up but highlights that Clacton is the most deprived ward in the UK and needs further investment. Emphasises the need for better transport infrastructure to connect Clacton with other areas like Harwich, especially with a new freeport coming up. Suggests £20 million from the levelling-up fund as a start but argues that more funding is needed to avoid coastal decline in Clacton and elsewhere.

The MP expressed strong objections to the levelling-up fund bidding process, stating it was unfair for deprived areas. He highlighted significant disparities in wages and job opportunities between his constituency and London. The MP reported a local bid involving Backstage Academy, which raised £50 million and sought an additional £20 million from the Government, but was unsuccessful despite earlier assurances of support.

Kevin Foster highlighted Torbay's success in securing funding through various Government programmes since 2015, but expressed disappointment over the failure of their levelling-up fund bids. He detailed two unsuccessful bids: one for expanding Brixham fish market which could have created jobs and boosted the local economy, and another for a south Devon cycleway to improve commuter routes and travel options. Foster questioned whether Torbay's approach should be reconsidered based on Government feedback, and raised concerns about the impact of delays in delivering previous projects on future funding success.

Mike Amesbury highlighted the failure of the levelling-up funding process, citing a lack of need-based distribution and high bid costs for local authorities. He criticised the current system as unfair and politically influenced, affecting essential services like social care and children's services. In his constituency, a bid for a new Winnington bridge and 1,500 brownfield houses was unsuccessful despite its merits.

Critiqued the levelling-up fund bidding process, arguing for a strategic approach to economic growth rather than funding pet projects. Cited evidence from Professor Philip McCann and others stressing the importance of regional focus, cluster economy development, and partnerships between universities, businesses, and communities. Highlighted specific local initiatives such as rail clusters and bioscience projects in York.