Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 14
14
If the Government is serious about its levelling up agenda, it should consider how it...
Conclusion
If the Government is serious about its levelling up agenda, it should consider how it takes into account local needs when determining infrastructure projects. The Committee would like the Cabinet Office to respond to this report outlining whether it intends to deploy the new infrastructure funding through a mix of centralised and devolved approaches and, if so, how. If the Government wants infrastructure to be delivered by local structures through devolved funds, it needs to be clear about who is accountable for the outcomes of that spending. (Paragraph 66) 34 Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects Delivering the projects which grow the economy and ‘level up’
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government recognises the important role of local areas in infrastructure, and has devolved significant funding to Mayoral Combined Authorities in England through the Transforming Cities Fund and 30 year Mayoral ‘gainshare’ commitments. Full details of our ambitions for infrastructure funding will be set out in the NIS, and plans for devolution to local areas will be set out in the Devolution and Local Recovery White Paper later this year. We recognise that devolution of infrastructure funding requires local areas to take on proportionate accountability for delivery. For example, Mayoral gainshare funds are subject to Gainshare Reviews, and the White Paper will set out further plans to ensure that appropriate mechanisms of accountability are put in place. Unless ring fenced, central government department grants to local authorities in England allow local authorities to set out their own priorities. Nevertheless Parliament expects assurances that such decentralised funds are used appropriately, and as part of their annual reports, government departments should include in their governance statements a summary account of how they achieve accountability for the grants they distribute to local government and similar local government organisations. Delivering the projects which grow the economy and ‘level up’