Recommendations & Conclusions
9 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
We welcome the UK Government’s original intentions to formally consult on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and its early efforts to engage local authorities in Scotland. However, we are concerned that a formal consultation has not taken place, given that the UKSPF is due to commence next year. The …
Government response. UK Government has been engaging with key stakeholders on the design and priorities of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund since 2016, including holding a series of engagement events across the UK. The regional events in Scotland took place in Edinburgh …
Scotland Office
2
Recommendation
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
The UKSPF could bring significant benefits to Scotland if it is designed and delivered effectively. Collaboration between the UK and Scottish Governments and local authorities will be vital to ensuring that the UKSPF uses the expertise built up through decades of delivering EU funds and benefits the people of Scotland. …
Government response. The UK Government has a responsibility to support the economic health of people, businesses and communities across the whole UK. Only the UK Government can take a strategic view of the whole of the UK, allocating funding in all parts …
Scotland Office
3
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
We welcome the UK Government’s commitment that all UK nations will receive at least the same amount of funds under UKSPF as under the EU Funds. It is, however, unclear how much funding will be available per year, even as an average. The UK Government’s multi-year funding profile should clarify …
Government response. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund profile will be set out at the next Spending Review, and we will publish further details later in 2021.
Scotland Office
4
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
The UK Government must clarify how and when EU rural development funding, including the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF), will be replaced. Otherwise, there is a risk that expertise and capacity built up through delivering those funds will be lost. (Paragraph 19) …
Government response. The Manifesto committed to replace EU Structural Funds through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. In doing so, the UK Shared prosperity Fund will take into account the specific needs of rural communities. The UK Government will consider at Spending Review …
Scotland Office
5
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
It is unclear how the CRF will feed into the development of the UKSPF. In March 2022, a year after it began, the UK Government should evaluate the Community Renewal Fund and publish its findings on how well the fund has operated. This evaluation should highlight implications for the design …
Government response. The UK Community Renewal Fund will help inform the design of the UK Shared Prosperity through funding of one year pilots, but the funds are distinct in regard to design, eligibility and duration. Successful UK Community Renewal Fund bids will …
Scotland Office
6
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
A lack of transparency in the selection process for the UKSPF could damage trust in the fund and those delivering it. The UK Government should ensure that its methodology and criteria for allocating UKSPF funds are clear and transparent.
Government response. The Manifesto committed to replacing the EU Structural Funds and at a minimum match the size of those funds in each nation. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will maximise the benefits of leaving the EU through better targeting, including at …
Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
We welcome UK Government support to help local authorities build their capacity to develop bids. In its response to this Report, the UK Government should clarify 14 The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Scotland how much funding has been given to local authorities in Scotland to help them build capacity …
Government response. We want to support places to develop their capabilities to maximise the benefits of local investment. Every local authority in Scotland will receive £125,000 to support them developing bids for future rounds of the Levelling Up Fund. Local authorities in …
Scotland Office
8
Conclusion
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
The UK Government should prioritise academic research funding when allocating resources under the UKSPF. The UK Government should collaborate with the Scottish Government, to ensure that regions where structural funding for universities has brought significant regional benefits, are not disproportionally disadvantaged by the transition to the UKSPF.
Government response. The Government recognises the role EU Structural Funds plays in supporting vital jobs and growth opportunities across the UK. Leaving the European Union provides us with a fresh opportunity to create a fund which invests in UK priorities and targets …
Scotland Office
9
Recommendation
Third Report - The UK Shared Prosperity…
We recommend that the UK Government evaluates the progress of the UKSPF after one year of operation and publishes a report, to ensure that funding is delivering the levelling up agenda by being allocated to the areas and sectors of greatest need. (Paragraph 33) The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and …
Government response. Evaluation will be central to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Government will set out further details in due course.
Scotland Office