The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee launches an inquiry into Funding for Levelling-Up, examining the funds available for levelling-up and how effectively resources are directed to those areas most in need.
The Committee’s inquiry will examine questions around the allocation of levelling-up resources and the aim, size and focus of the many different funds available.
The inquiry will also explore how far the Government’s approach to funding for levelling up, and proposed initiatives such as Investment Zones, contributes to its objective of levelling up the country.
Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said levelling-up remains an important part of the Government’s agenda but further investigation into how effective the Government in backing up this slogan with delivery is required.
“Are areas that are most in need getting the support and resources from Government to help them thrive?” he continued. “Given the levels of inflation and the impact this will have on levelling-up funding, how will the Government ensure that successful projects deliver for local areas?
“It’s crucial that Ministers are held to account for Levelling Up policies and the effectiveness of the myriad of money pots available. The complex landscape of levelling-up funding and grants allocated by the Department for Levelling-Up and other Government departments makes scrutiny of this spending and investment difficult. Crucially, the competitive bidding processes in many of these funds bring challenges which discourages local areas from even applying.
“In this Committee inquiry, we want to gain a greater insight into the amount of funding available for levelling-up and evaluate the Government’s actions and efforts in ensuring these funds strengthen communities and boost local economies.”
