Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the allocation of funding to Northern Ireland as part of the Levelling Up Fund.

The UK Government is committed to levelling up across the whole of the United Kingdom to ensure that no community is left behind, particularly as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am in regular communication with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government about a range of issues, including the Levelling Up Fund.

I have held a number of engagements with stakeholders on the Fund, including a webinar for local authorities alongside other UK Government Ministers on 5 March.

The Levelling Up Fund will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.

The Fund will set aside at least £800 million across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over four years from 2021-2022 to 2024-2025. Further information on the Fund can be found in the prospectus and in additional documents published online.