Asked by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the potential cost to the public purse of UK Shared Prosperity Fund spending on (a) upskilling and (b) reskilling programmes; and what oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure these funds are effectively deployed.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) provides a total of £3.5 billion of funding, with all places in the UK receiving an allocation via a funding formula. Through the People and Skills investment priority, places can choose to fund projects that help reduce the barriers some people face to employment, and support them to move towards employment and education. Places can also target funding on skills to support employment and local growth, including upskilling and reskilling programmes. As of September 2024 £1.1 billion of UKSPF funding had been spent across the investment priorities, of that, over £268 million of funding had been used for People and Skills projects.
The UKSPF has a light-touch and flexible delivery model. In England, Scotland and Wales, lead local authorities determine how to allocate their UKSPF allocation in line with local circumstances and priorities. In Northern Ireland, MHCLG works with a Partnership Group of local partners to implement the fund. MHCLG receives progress reports from places on a six-monthly basis. Places are also required to publish information on UKSPF delivery and activities being funded in their area. MHCLG is also undertaking a programme evaluation to measure overall fund impact.
Asked by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reasons the 2025-26 allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund wasn't an open competition.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
My officials meet regularly with representatives of the voluntary and community sector and local authorities through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland Partnership Group, as well as officials from the Northern Ireland Executive Departments of Finance, Economy and Communities, to seek views and insight on funding allocation, local priorities and alignment with other provision and policies in Northern Ireland.
I met with Northern Ireland Executive ministers to discuss the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and with the Northern Ireland Partnership Group and project deliverers to hear first-hand the impact that the fund is having on people and communities across Northern Ireland.
Taking account of partner feedback and to avoid a hiatus in delivery of support for people and businesses, my department determined the most appropriate approach to funding for 2025-26 was to invite continuation applications. This has avoided a significant delay in delivery that new funding competitions would have created.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund project information for Northern Ireland is published on gov.uk. This will be updated for 2025-26 funding allocations following the conclusion of the selection process.
Asked by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish a breakdown of how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been allocated in Northern Ireland for financial year 2025-26 including spending by (a) sector, (b) region and (c) projects.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
My officials meet regularly with representatives of the voluntary and community sector and local authorities through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland Partnership Group, as well as officials from the Northern Ireland Executive Departments of Finance, Economy and Communities, to seek views and insight on funding allocation, local priorities and alignment with other provision and policies in Northern Ireland.
I met with Northern Ireland Executive ministers to discuss the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and with the Northern Ireland Partnership Group and project deliverers to hear first-hand the impact that the fund is having on people and communities across Northern Ireland.
Taking account of partner feedback and to avoid a hiatus in delivery of support for people and businesses, my department determined the most appropriate approach to funding for 2025-26 was to invite continuation applications. This has avoided a significant delay in delivery that new funding competitions would have created.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund project information for Northern Ireland is published on gov.uk. This will be updated for 2025-26 funding allocations following the conclusion of the selection process.
Asked by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what engagement she has had with (a) community groups, (b) local authorities and (c) the Northern Ireland Executive on the reallocation of (a) UK Shared Prosperity Fund and (b) skills funding in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
My officials meet regularly with representatives of the voluntary and community sector and local authorities through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland Partnership Group, as well as officials from the Northern Ireland Executive Departments of Finance, Economy and Communities, to seek views and insight on funding allocation, local priorities and alignment with other provision and policies in Northern Ireland.
I met with Northern Ireland Executive ministers to discuss the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and with the Northern Ireland Partnership Group and project deliverers to hear first-hand the impact that the fund is having on people and communities across Northern Ireland.
Taking account of partner feedback and to avoid a hiatus in delivery of support for people and businesses, my department determined the most appropriate approach to funding for 2025-26 was to invite continuation applications. This has avoided a significant delay in delivery that new funding competitions would have created.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund project information for Northern Ireland is published on gov.uk. This will be updated for 2025-26 funding allocations following the conclusion of the selection process.
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what allocations they have made to date from the £30 million set aside for Northern Ireland in round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Community Renewal Fund is now closed. Details of the 31 projects funded by the Community Renewal Fund in Northern Ireland are available at: UK Community Renewal Fund: successful and unsuccessful bids - GOV.UK. Please note Extern Works North West project withdrew and did not receive funding.
On 8 March 2024 the previous administration confirmed that the £30 million reserved for Northern Ireland as part of round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund formed part of the UK Government’s financial package for the restored Northern Ireland Executive, increasing the spending power available to the Executive and allowing it to invest against its own priorities.
The Department will continue to work closely with projects and places in Northern Ireland that were awarded a total of £120 million across the first two rounds of the fund.
My Department works collaboratively with strategic and delivery partners and Northern Ireland Executive departments to ensure that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme is investing in local needs and priorities. We have supported 43 impactful projects to date in Northern Ireland, kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity through a range of investments detailed at this link : UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Northern Ireland project information - GOV.UK.
Local council-led projects funded under the communities and place strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are set out below:
Project Name | Project Lead |
The Kings Garden Project | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
De Wind Drive Playground | Ards and North Down |
Capital Play Development Programme | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Access to community gardens on the Upsurge demonstration site and Loughside Park Trim Trail | Belfast City |
Green Spaces Amenity Programme | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Strathfoyle Greenway | Derry City and Strabane |
Refurbishment at Killyfole Lough | Fermanagh and Omagh |
LCCC Green Space Development | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Park Improvement Project | Mid and East Antrim |
Drumcairne and Derrynoyd Forest Development | Mid Ulster |
The Fallows Trial – Phase 2 | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Project Name | Project Lead |
Thrive Together: Communities & Place Programme | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
Creating positive outcomes for our communities and places | Ards and North Down |
Banbridge Public Realm | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Improvement & Development Programme | Belfast City |
Red Bay Pier project | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Stradhowen Greenway and Ballynagard Play and community allotments | Derry City and Strabane |
FODC Community Infrastructure programme | Fermanagh and Omagh |
Lisburn CC refurbishment & community development programme | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Waveney Community Centre | Mid and East Antrim |
Building Civic Pride of Place in Mid Ulster | Mid Ulster |
Fostering Community Spirit, Enhancing Local Pride through Events and Open Space Revitalisation | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government which projects in Northern Ireland have so far received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Community Renewal Fund is now closed. Details of the 31 projects funded by the Community Renewal Fund in Northern Ireland are available at: UK Community Renewal Fund: successful and unsuccessful bids - GOV.UK. Please note Extern Works North West project withdrew and did not receive funding.
On 8 March 2024 the previous administration confirmed that the £30 million reserved for Northern Ireland as part of round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund formed part of the UK Government’s financial package for the restored Northern Ireland Executive, increasing the spending power available to the Executive and allowing it to invest against its own priorities.
The Department will continue to work closely with projects and places in Northern Ireland that were awarded a total of £120 million across the first two rounds of the fund.
My Department works collaboratively with strategic and delivery partners and Northern Ireland Executive departments to ensure that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme is investing in local needs and priorities. We have supported 43 impactful projects to date in Northern Ireland, kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity through a range of investments detailed at this link : UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Northern Ireland project information - GOV.UK.
Local council-led projects funded under the communities and place strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are set out below:
Project Name | Project Lead |
The Kings Garden Project | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
De Wind Drive Playground | Ards and North Down |
Capital Play Development Programme | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Access to community gardens on the Upsurge demonstration site and Loughside Park Trim Trail | Belfast City |
Green Spaces Amenity Programme | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Strathfoyle Greenway | Derry City and Strabane |
Refurbishment at Killyfole Lough | Fermanagh and Omagh |
LCCC Green Space Development | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Park Improvement Project | Mid and East Antrim |
Drumcairne and Derrynoyd Forest Development | Mid Ulster |
The Fallows Trial – Phase 2 | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Project Name | Project Lead |
Thrive Together: Communities & Place Programme | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
Creating positive outcomes for our communities and places | Ards and North Down |
Banbridge Public Realm | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Improvement & Development Programme | Belfast City |
Red Bay Pier project | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Stradhowen Greenway and Ballynagard Play and community allotments | Derry City and Strabane |
FODC Community Infrastructure programme | Fermanagh and Omagh |
Lisburn CC refurbishment & community development programme | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Waveney Community Centre | Mid and East Antrim |
Building Civic Pride of Place in Mid Ulster | Mid Ulster |
Fostering Community Spirit, Enhancing Local Pride through Events and Open Space Revitalisation | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government which organisations in Northern Ireland have benefited from the £12 million of investment under the Community Renewal Fund.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Community Renewal Fund is now closed. Details of the 31 projects funded by the Community Renewal Fund in Northern Ireland are available at: UK Community Renewal Fund: successful and unsuccessful bids - GOV.UK. Please note Extern Works North West project withdrew and did not receive funding.
On 8 March 2024 the previous administration confirmed that the £30 million reserved for Northern Ireland as part of round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund formed part of the UK Government’s financial package for the restored Northern Ireland Executive, increasing the spending power available to the Executive and allowing it to invest against its own priorities.
The Department will continue to work closely with projects and places in Northern Ireland that were awarded a total of £120 million across the first two rounds of the fund.
My Department works collaboratively with strategic and delivery partners and Northern Ireland Executive departments to ensure that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme is investing in local needs and priorities. We have supported 43 impactful projects to date in Northern Ireland, kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity through a range of investments detailed at this link : UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Northern Ireland project information - GOV.UK.
Local council-led projects funded under the communities and place strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are set out below:
Project Name | Project Lead |
The Kings Garden Project | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
De Wind Drive Playground | Ards and North Down |
Capital Play Development Programme | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Access to community gardens on the Upsurge demonstration site and Loughside Park Trim Trail | Belfast City |
Green Spaces Amenity Programme | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Strathfoyle Greenway | Derry City and Strabane |
Refurbishment at Killyfole Lough | Fermanagh and Omagh |
LCCC Green Space Development | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Park Improvement Project | Mid and East Antrim |
Drumcairne and Derrynoyd Forest Development | Mid Ulster |
The Fallows Trial – Phase 2 | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Project Name | Project Lead |
Thrive Together: Communities & Place Programme | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
Creating positive outcomes for our communities and places | Ards and North Down |
Banbridge Public Realm | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon |
Improvement & Development Programme | Belfast City |
Red Bay Pier project | Causeway Coast and Glens |
Stradhowen Greenway and Ballynagard Play and community allotments | Derry City and Strabane |
FODC Community Infrastructure programme | Fermanagh and Omagh |
Lisburn CC refurbishment & community development programme | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
Waveney Community Centre | Mid and East Antrim |
Building Civic Pride of Place in Mid Ulster | Mid Ulster |
Fostering Community Spirit, Enhancing Local Pride through Events and Open Space Revitalisation | Newry, Mourne and Down |
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on funding to support small and medium-sized businesses starting up on high streets in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
This government is committed to resetting relations with the Devolved Governments, to work collaboratively and deliver the best outcomes for people across the UK, including the people of Northern Ireland. To this end, the Deputy Prime Minister visited Northern Ireland and met with the First and Deputy First Ministers within days of taking office.
This early engagement has been followed by further meetings between MHCLG Ministers and their NI Executive counterparts. I had the pleasure of visiting Northern Ireland in September of last year as part of the ongoing reset in relations, and over the course of the autumn had highly constructive introductory conversations with the NI Ministers for Finance, Communities and Economy. I continue to engage with NI Ministers on our shared priorities in relation to local growth.
You will be aware that we recently confirmed the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation for NI for 2025-26. As part of this, we are working with NI councils and the Department for the Economy on Go Succeed, which provides support for people across Northern Ireland to start and grow their business.
The government will publish its Small Business Strategy later this year which will set out the government’s vision for supporting small businesses, across key policy areas such as creating thriving high streets and making it easier to access finance. We will be engaging closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and SMEs across the UK to support its development.
Asked by: Alex Easton (Independent - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much funding her Department plans to provide through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to projects in Northern Ireland in the 2024-25 financial year; and if she will take steps to ensure that further allocations are used to help tackle economic inactivity.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £67.5 million for projects in Northern Ireland this financial year.
The Autumn Budget announced that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for which the previous government made no plans beyond March 2025, will be extended for 2025-26 at a reduced level of £900 million.
With this transitional arrangement, Northern Ireland will continue to benefit from investment next year in local growth, providing certainty of funding in advance of wider local growth funding reforms. This will provide the flexibility to deliver the most important local projects for Northern Ireland, including projects helping those at risk of being left behind.
My department will update the fund prospectus and confirm the Northern Ireland funding allocation for 2025-26 as soon as possible.
Asked by: Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance - Lagan Valley)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to make changes to funding levels of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Autumn Budget announced that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for which the previous government made no plans beyond March 2025, will be extended for 2025-26 at a reduced level of £900 million.
With this transitional arrangement, Northern Ireland will continue to benefit from investment next year in local growth, providing certainty of funding in advance of wider local growth funding reforms.
My department will update the fund prospectus and confirm the Northern Ireland funding allocation for 2025-26 as soon as possible.