Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to paragraph 1.152 of Budget 2015, HC 1093, when he plans to give final approval for funding the Sheffield Hallam University Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.

The Department is aware of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre proposals that were referred to in the 2015 Budget, and that Sheffield Hallam University has developed the proposals further since then and produced the business case required for approval.

At £14 million, the proposals would represent a substantial allocation from the Department’s funding and they are being carefully considered. We do however recognise the concern locally to see this initiative progressed and anticipate a decision being made on the proposals as soon as practicable.