Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Paragraph: 36
Publish future UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation scope for NI public bodies.
Recommendation
The delivery and timing of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) caused considerable distress and uncertainty in the sector, particularly the decision to communicate the outcome of applications on the day European Social Funding ceased. The Government has announced that decisions on the future funding of UKSPF from April 2025 are a matter for the next Spending Review. However, the 36 The funding and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland requires more immediate clarification to ensure that it can effectively plan for the viability and continuity of the services it offers from April 2025 onwards. Before the end of the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, we recommend that the Government publish information regarding the scope of future UKSPF allocations for public bodies and third sector organisations.
Government Response Summary
The government has announced that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be extended for 2025-26 at a reduced level of £900 million. Regional, nation-level, and local allocations will be confirmed and published on gov.uk as soon as possible.
Paragraph Reference:
36
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), for which the previous government made no plans beyond March 2025, will be extended for 2025–26 at a reduced level of £900 million. By continuing delivery for another year, this Government is providing certainty to places and demonstrating our commitment to a reset in our relationship with local government. In Northern Ireland, MHLCG and the NIO will work collaboratively with delivery partners and the Northern Ireland Executive, to ensure that the extended UKSPF programme is investing in local needs and growth priorities. Local leaders will retain the freedom to invest in local priorities and deliver projects that will drive growth, support those at risk of being left behind and boost community cohesion in every area of the UK. Despite the fiscal inheritance the Government faces, we have ensured that local growth funding continues in all parts of the UK. Regional allocations will be confirmed as soon as possible, but all areas should plan on the basis of a reduced allocation. Nation-level and local allocations will be published on gov.uk in due course.