Levelling-up Fund Round 2

James Sunderland Excerpts

Thursday 19th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Frazer]

I wish to clarify that the bidding process was transparent and clear. It will be published, as was done for round 1. I know that the hon. Gentleman’s area has had money from the UK shared prosperity fund in the past, and I am sure that if he makes further bids, they will be look at according to the criteria.

[James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)]

I thank the Minister for her statement today and for her notification to me last night.

[Mr Speaker]

It was not a statement. Unfortunately, it had to be an urgent question.

[James Sunderland]

I thank the Minister for her notification last night. Clearly, the decision not to proceed with Bracknell’s bid was disappointing. It is a good bid; it regenerates Bracknell’s town centre and was submitted by a solvent and well-run council. Will she confirm that in principle more affluent areas in the south-east will not be precluded from successful bids? Will she meet me to help Bracknell refine that bid to ensure success in tranche 3?

[Lucy Frazer]

The Department is keen to ensure that those areas that have not received round 1 or round 2 funding understand why that was the case and how they can improve their prospects in the future. I, or another Minister, would be happy to have a meeting to discuss how we can progress any further bids.