AQW 9170/22-27

Mr Daniel McCrossan
Social Democratic and Labour Party
West Tyrone

Tabled Date: 19/03/2024
Answered On Date: 04/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the implications of the objectives of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund not being aligned with the objectives of the predecessor EU funds.

Answer:

The Executive is best placed to ensure that funding is prioritised in alignment with our agreed policies and strategies.

The agreed Executive position is that the British Government should fully replace EU funding and give full control of that funding to the Executive.

Rather than replicate the activities funded by the EU, we could then ensure delivery against the Executive’s economic strategies, including the key priorities underpinning my Economic Vision.

Failure to do so risks misalignment, duplication, sub-optimal outcomes and poor value for money. This is of particular concern given the currrent challenging budgetary position.