Devolved governments and the Shared Prosperity Fund

Early day motion 469, tabled 22 September 2021 by Claire Hanna (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 10 members.

That this House notes that nine months on from the ending of the transition period, the UK Government has yet to publish detail on the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF); further notes that no steadfast guarantees have been given that each region will receive equivalent funding to what they received under EU structural funds; notes that there has been little meaningful consultation with the devolved regions in relation to the design and governance of the fund, the scope of which will impinge on devolved competencies, potentially duplicating work already being undertaken, as well as bypassing the expertise of those best placed to ensure local delivery of funds; further notes that the delay in introducing the SPF has caused undue hardship and uncertainty for organisations already suffering greatly as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, many of which have also simultaneously experienced an increase in demand for their services; notes the lack of clarity from the Government on how it intends to show compliance and regard to Section 75 duties in Northern Ireland as well as showing how it will complement funding delivered via the PEACE PLUS programme; and calls on the Government to immediately without further delay disclose full details of the SPF and outline how it will ensure that devolved governments will have an equal voice and role in the SPF moving forward.

Signatures by party: Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.