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The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into post-EU regional development funding and gathered views.

Background

As a former member of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK) included the devolved nations, were eligible to access various funding programmes.

On 1 January 2021, the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) took effect and established the UK’s future relationship with the EU. As part of the TCA, the UK will not access future rounds of EU structural funding programmes. Using powers from the UK Internal Market Act 2020, the UK Government has developed new UK-wide funding schemes, including:

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>>> The UK Community Renewal Fund (the pilot for the Shared Prosperity Fund)

>>> The UK Shared Prosperity Fund

>>> The Levelling Up Fund

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The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Levelling Up Fund.

How to share your views

The Committee welcomed views on any or all of the issues covered in the terms of reference:

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>>> How effective were EU Structural Funds at transforming the Welsh economy?

>>> Whether the funding that Wales will receive to 2024-25 through the Shared Prosperity Fund and the tail-off of remaining EU Structural Funds matches the level of funding that Wales received through Structural Funds while the UK was a member of the EU and any potential Structural Funds that would have been available through the next programme.

>>> Which elements of the two new funds have worked well so far, and which have been less effective. What lessons could be learnt for the future to maximise the impact of the funds.

>>> What types of intervention are being delivered through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and to what extent do these differ from Structural Funds interventions.

>>> Whether the funds are successfully identifying and supporting the communities and areas of Wales that are in greatest need, and how the geographical spread of funding compares to Structural Funds.

>>> The extent to which the processes and timescales set by the UK Government for the funds support local authorities and regions to achieve their intended outcomes.

>>> How effectively the different levels of governance in Wales are working together in relation to these funds.

>>> The challenges and opportunities these funding streams provide for bodies such as businesses, colleges, universities and voluntary sector organisations who received Structural Funds.

>>> How the Multiply programme is developing across different parts of Wales, and what are the potential barriers and opportunities in relation to delivering this programme.

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The deadline for submissions to this inquiry was Friday 21 April 2023.

The Committee also welcomes organisations with lived experience of Post-EU regional development funding streams to complete this survey. The survey will close on Monday 15 May 2023. It should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions or would like further information please do not hesitate to contact us.