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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from the Northern Ireland Executive regarding allocations under the Community Renewal Fund.

The UK Community Renewal Fund aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches and will invest in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.

The UK Government is running a national competition against a fixed national allocation in Northern Ireland, equating to £11 million of funding.  All areas in Northern Ireland are eligible for funding and project applicants should submit bids directly to the UK Government for assessment and approval, by 18 June 2021. The UK Government will issue grant agreements to successful projects in Northern Ireland.

Where appropriate, the UK Government will seek advice from the Devolved Administrations -including Northern Ireland- on shortlisted projects to ensure that the project is deliverable and complementary to other provision.