Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the Answer of 19 April 2022 to Question 149347 on Regional Planning and Development: Public Appointments, whether the interviews for levelling up director roles were completed in May 2022.

The Government set out in the Levelling Up White Paper its plan to explore the introduction of Levelling Up Directors. The department is in the process of recruitment (with interviews conducted in the summer) and more details will be available in due course when the Secretary of State has considered official advice.

In terms of funding required, Levelling Up Directors would be supported by civil servants from relevant departments. The costs for the Directors themselves and their office will be part of DLUHC's settlement.

The Government is committed to delivering levelling up outcomes in the best way possible.