UK Shared Prosperity Fund Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateEarl of Caithness
Main Page: Earl of Caithness (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Earl of Caithness's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(4 years, 6 months ago)
Lords ChamberI thank the noble Lord. We have to ensure that we level up and that that cuts across all communities that are lower than the national average. That will be a focus for the fund in question.
My Lords, programmes such as the LEADER programme are very important for rural areas. Notwithstanding what my noble friend has said about inner cities and seaside towns, will he confirm that the funding in rural areas will not be diminished?
We have a real opportunity, through the UK shared prosperity fund, to design a fund that is driven by our national priorities and needs. The decision on how the fund will be allocated will be taken as part of the funding review. However, I underline that support for rural areas is critical if we wish to achieve that ambition.