Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 22
We acknowledge the interest that the Government will have in the allocation of funding and...
Recommendation
We acknowledge the interest that the Government will have in the allocation of funding and the delivery of Shared Prosperity Fund projects in all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland. We are pleased, however, to see that Whitehall has begun to engage with Northern Ireland through the UKSPF Northern Ireland Partnership Group. The Government should publish a timetable for, and readout of, each meeting of this group. It must also explain how it will collaborate and engage with the Executive on the SPF, to ensure that funding is not duplicated, that funding gaps do not emerge, and that investment is in line with the Department for the Economy’s 10X Strategy. In the expectation that an Executive will be up and running again soon, we urge the Government to re-consider Stormont’s role in the delivery of the UKSPF, which is currently very limited. Consideration should also be given to transferring more control over these funds to the NI Executive.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the UKSPF Northern Ireland Partnership Group has concluded its initial work, and they are reviewing its remit and membership for the delivery phase, including the possible establishment of thematic sub-groups. They will offer Northern Ireland Civil Service officials the opportunity to participate and intend to commission NI Executive Departments or their arms-length bodies.
Paragraph Reference:
22
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The UKSPF Northern Ireland Partnership Group was established to advise DLUHC on development of the Northern Ireland Plan. Its membership included representatives from business organizations, voluntary and community organisations, local councils, higher education, the Northern Ireland Office and DLUHC. Relevant Executive Departments were invited to participate, but that did not prove possible. DLUHC maintained regular contact with the Northern Ireland Departments of Finance, Economy and Communities as the plan developed. The membership and notes of all Partnership Group meetings held have been published on gov.uk. Its initial work has now concluded, and we are reviewing the remit and membership of the group for the delivery phase. As the Partnership Group transitions to a delivery advisory role, DLUHC will refresh its membership. This may include the establishment of thematic sub-groups to advise DLUHC on project selection, including the delivery of competitions and project commissions. As with the UKSPF Partnership Group, we plan to offer Northern Ireland Civil Service officials the opportunity to fully participate in these discussions. In addition, as noted in the UKSPF Northern Ireland Investment Plan, and subject to further discussion with the NI Civil Service, it is DLUHC’s intention to commission the delivery of many aspects of the fund directly, and this may include commissioning NI Executive Departments or their arms-length bodies.