Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Deferred
Move away from competitive bidding requires clarity on alternative funding programmes.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s desire to move away from the competitive bidding process as outlined in the Plan for Neighbourhoods, but further clarity is needed around what alternative funding programmes will replace competitive bidding. (Conclusion, Paragraph 65) 75
Government response summary AI-generated
The government responded by outlining funding and reforms within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system aimed at reducing home-to-school travel costs, but did not clarify general alternative funding programmes to replace competitive bidding.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
34. The Government has consolidated MHCLG’s Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplification Pathfinders Pilot Funds. The new Local Regeneration Fund isa significant capital commitment of more than £1 billion over the next two years and devolves power to local authorities, giving them access to a single pot of capital funding, with less reporting and more flexibility to adapt schemes to local needs, without asking central government’s permission. 35. We will continue to work to end wasteful competitive bidding and prioritise allocative funding for future grant schemes, which sits alongside our continued efforts to reduce the administrative burden these schemes impose on councils. Local growth funding announced at the Spending Review reflects this commitment. These new funds, including the local growth funding announced for MSAs in the North and Midlands, and the communities funding announced for 350 places, are allocative. 36. As a matter of course, future allocations for investment programmes will be published on gov.uk, alongside a methodology note that transparently sets out how allocation metrics relate to the desired outcomes.
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