Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how they are proposing to ensure that those living in the north of England in locations where there is no devolution deal do not lose out compared to those in areas where there is a devolution deal.
Answered by Lord Greenhalgh
In the Levelling Up White Paper, Government set itself a mission to ensure that by 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal with powers at or approaching the highest level of devolution, with a simplified, long-term funding settlement.
Devolution must be locally led, not imposed by Government. Areas without a devolution deal are able to consider whether seeking one would maximise opportunities for citizens, and we believe that the local government reorganisation process that Cumbria and North Yorkshire are currently going through will enable them to find the best governance arrangements for their locality.
While further devolution across the UK is a key Levelling Up mission, it is one of 12 missions and those areas that are not currently involved in devolution discussions will not miss out on Levelling Up activities. Places in the North without a devolution deal are still able to capitalise on growth funds such as the Levelling Up Fund, round two of which is currently open, and will receive their UKSPF allocations following the submission of their investment plans this summer.
Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what will be the funding basis for those Local Enterprise Partnerships not integrated into local authorities, bearing in mind that those which are companies limited by guarantee must meet the test of being 'going concern' as contained in company law.
Answered by Lord Greenhalgh
As set out in the Local Enterprise Partnerships integration guidance published on 31 March 2022, Local Enterprise Partnerships will each receive £375,000 core funding for financial year 2022-23. No decision on core funding beyond 2022-23 has yet been made.
Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Levelling Up agenda applies (1) equally, and (2) equivalently, to both rural and urban, areas.
Answered by Lord Greenhalgh
As set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, the UK Government is committed to ensuring that all places across the UK, including both rural and urban communities, benefit from increased opportunity. The systems reform and specific policy interventions that we have committed to in the White Paper reflect this.
Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether those assessing the applications for the Levelling Up fund will be seeking (1) clarity, and (2) additional information, from the applicants if they have further questions.
Answered by Lord Greenhalgh
We are delighted to have launched the second round of the Levelling Up Fund on 23 March, with the publication of an updated prospectus.
We will shortly publish an updated technical note, which will provide applicants with detailed guidance on the application and assessment process, including timelines and the process for applicants to submit their bids.
Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that Workington and Whitehaven will be eligible to receive support from the Stronger Towns Fund.
Answered by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
The Stronger Towns Fund is a new £1.6 billion fund to support towns in England to harness their unique strengths to grow and prosper.
I confirmed to the House on 5 March the Government will publish further detail on the operation of the Fund in due course.
Asked by: Lord Inglewood (Non-affiliated - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether Brexit will increase, decrease, or have no material impact on, the need for more housing in England.
Answered by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
It is too early to say. Whatever the impact, this government remains committed to increasing the supply of homes for the 86 percent of people who aspire to own their own home. The Spending Review doubled the housing budget and set out the most ambitious affordable housing programme since the 1970s, which will help us to achieve our ambition of delivering one million homes.