Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to page 85 of the Industrial Strategy, when he expects the Strength in Places Fund to be in operation.

The Government announced the new Strength in Places Fund in the Industrial Strategy White Paper. This new competitive funding stream will be delivered by UK Research and Innovation and will support areas to build on their science and innovation strengths and develop stronger local collaborative networks.

Exact details will be announced in due course, subject to the approval of a full business case; however the Government expects to launch a call for expressions of interest from local consortia in financial year 2018/19.