Shared Prosperity Fund: Wales

Debate between Baroness Wilcox of Newport and Lord Khan of Burnley

Wednesday 4th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Wilcox of Newport]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards giving decision-making over the allocation of the Shared Prosperity Fund to democratic representatives in Wales, as set out in the Labour Party Manifesto 2024.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Lord Khan of Burnley) (Lab)]

This Government are committed to restoring relationships with devolved Governments and showing the utmost respect to the devolution settlement. We are working closely with the Welsh Government to discuss our commitment to restore decision-making on structural funding to representatives of Wales. My noble friend will be pleased to hear that my colleague, Minister Alex Norris, will meet his ministerial counterpart in the Welsh Government this week to discuss this very important issue.

[Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for that Answer, because the era of doing things to Wales, rather than with Wales, is surely at an end. When will proper devolved decision-making reflect both our distinct Welsh needs and UK-wide objectives? While I am on my feet, let me say llongyfarchiadau mawr—many congratulations—to the Wales women’s football team on reaching the Euro 2025 finals and making history.