Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what guidance his Department has provided to councils on engaging with local MPs applications to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The department has set out in the UKSPF prospectus, that Members of the UK Parliament play an important role in representing the views of their constituents, working collaboratively with local authorities and other local partners to work for the good of local places. The prospectus indicates that they should be closely engaged in the design and delivery of the Fund.

Each area’s investment plan sought details on the MPs involved in the local partnership group and whether each are supportive of the final plan. I expect that the investment plan demonstrates local consensus for the plan.

Lead local authorities are also encouraged to engage proactively and constructively with MPs on a periodic basis, post investment plan sign-off.