Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
First Report - Investment in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
HC 85
Published 8 November 2022
Recommendations
1
Acknowledged
Para 14
NI received proportionally less than Scotland, Wales and England in the first round of levelling...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the first round of the Levelling Up Fund saw every bid on the Northern Ireland shortlist selected, with the exception of two bids that were ruled out due to deliverability concerns. Officials have engaged extensively with stakeholders and are keen to increase collaboration.
Northern Ireland Office
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4
Acknowledged
Para 28
We are encouraged by the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal under this funding...
Recommendation
We are encouraged by the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal under this funding scheme. However, the Government must now set out how it plans to provide ongoing support, including day to day resourcing, to current and future projects. …
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Government Response Summary
The Government is continuing to provide support to ensure the successful delivery of all four Northern Ireland City and Growth Deals, including regular discussions with the Deals and ongoing engagement through governance structures such as the City and Growth Deal Delivery Board. It will explore how to increase engagement with local stakeholders.
Northern Ireland Office
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9
Acknowledged
Para 55
The university cap leads many Northern Ireland students to leave to obtain high- level qualifications,...
Recommendation
The university cap leads many Northern Ireland students to leave to obtain high- level qualifications, which they then take into employment elsewhere in the UK or overseas. This places a handbrake on the Northern Ireland economy, with international and other …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of addressing the cap on university numbers but redirects responsibility to the Northern Ireland Executive. They highlight existing investments in the Skill Up programme and ongoing discussions.
Northern Ireland Office
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10
Acknowledged
We understand the importance of education and skills in growing Northern Ireland’s economy and providing...
Recommendation
We understand the importance of education and skills in growing Northern Ireland’s economy and providing jobs for people in all parts of society. Therefore, we recommend that current and future Government investment, through the UKSPF and City and Growth Deals …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that skills and inclusive growth are key to City and Growth Deals in NI, and that 'People and Skills' is a core UKSPF investment priority, but does not commit to matching EU funding.
Northern Ireland Office
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12
Acknowledged
Functioning societies need people who have the skills to deliver services in all areas of...
Recommendation
Functioning societies need people who have the skills to deliver services in all areas of the economy. These people need to be paid competitively - and fairly. We acknowledge the importance of equal access to opportunities for men and women, …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that local partners should shape the skills element of City or Growth Deals, but together with the Northern Ireland Executive departments, will support Deals to find complementarity with existing skills and training initiatives. It also mentions £15m invested in Skill Up using funds from the New Deal for Northern Ireland fund.
Northern Ireland Office
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