Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria will be used for assessing bids to the Levelling Up Fund; and what part the indices of multiple deprivation will play in those assessments.

The £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centre and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. The Government launched the prospectus for the Fund at Budget, opening bids UK-wide for the first round of funding starting in 21-22. The prospectus provides guidance to local areas on the process for submitting bids, the types of projects eligible for funding, and how bids will be assessed.