Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in assessing applications to their Levelling Up Fund, they plan to take into account (1) the principles contained in their consultation Reforming Competition and Consumer Policy: Driving growth and delivering competitive markets that work for consumers, published on 20 July, in particular those about (a) levels of consumer harm, and (b) businesses blocking competition, (2) the availability of potential competition, and (3) value for money for taxpayers.

The £4.8 billion 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 operate UK-wide, extending the benefits of funding for priority local infrastructure across all regions and nations.

We published a technical note setting out further guidance for the first round of the Levelling Up Fund on GOV.UK.