Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to explore potential further uses of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as set out in the policy paper entitled Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper published on 15 March 2023.

The White Paper set out the Government’s ambition for a society in which disabled people, and people with health conditions, can fulfil their potential and, where they are able to, work. The aim of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is to develop pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. The People and Skills investment priority can be used by lead local authorities to provide employment and skills support to a range of individuals who are inactive, unemployed and in work, which include disabled people and those with health conditions.

Funding decisions on UKSPF have been devolved to local authorities across GB.

DWP regional teams will continue to work with local leaders, including lead UKSPF authorities, organisations and stakeholders, to share best practice, learn from local provision and to support join-up and align local and national provision, including through devolved funding such as UKSPF.