Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on regional inequality of the funding for Northern Ireland provided through the Levelling Up Fund.

The UK Government is committed to levelling up across all parts of the United Kingdom to ensure that no community is left behind, particularly as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.

We are taking a different approach to delivering the Fund in Northern Ireland, which takes account of the different local government landscape compared to England, Scotland and Wales. By treating Northern Ireland as one geographical area, we will ensure all communities have equal access to apply for the Fund.

For the first round of funding, at least 3% of total UK allocations will be set aside for Northern Ireland.

The deadline to submit bids for the first round of the fund is noon on Friday 18 June 2021.