Recommendation 1

NI received proportionally less than Scotland, Wales and England in the first round of levelling up. There has been no satisfactory explanation from Government for this under allocation. This should be rectified urgently. The Levelling Up Fund White Paper acknowledged long-standing under-investment and economic challenges in Northern Ireland. We are pleased to see the Government’s resolve to address some of these issues through this funding scheme. However, we urge the Government to pursue further means of collaboration and engagement with the Executive, when formed, on the delivery of these funds. This would ensure the money is in line with the Executive’s economic priorities, and that investments are economically efficient for both the taxpayer and Northern Ireland’s economy. Consideration should also be given to transferring more control over these funds to the NI Executive.