To ask the Minister of Finance what action he is taking to obtain further clarification regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), including the distribution and management of funding.

Thank you for your question on 9th December. I have written to the British Treasury on multiple occasions regarding the lack of information available for SPF.

Most recently, 9th December, I have written to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) stating my disappointment in the outcome of the spending review. A pilot programme, a precursor for SPF, valued at a total of £220 million was announced as part of the SR20 with a significant lack of clarity on allocations or scope. The “Heads of Terms” for SPF released alongside the Spending Review indicate that its full introduction will not take place until next spring and will be subject to the 21/22 spending review. This creates a risk of a significant delay representing a potential loss of approximately £70m of spending power for us. This is wholly unacceptable.

I have asked that our funding for next year and beyond is fully guaranteed and that, as the delivery structures are developed, our devolved responsibilities are fully acknowledged and respected.