Overview

This bill mandates a government review on whether the management and administration of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) in Wales should be devolved to the Welsh Government. The review will assess the potential benefits of this devolution, considering factors such as policy coherence and alignment with existing Welsh Government responsibilities.

Description

The Shared Prosperity Fund (Wales) Bill requires the UK Secretary of State to conduct a review on devolving the management and administration of the SPF allocated to Wales to the Welsh Government. The review must consider whether this devolution would improve policy coherence by aligning the fund with existing Welsh Government areas of responsibility. These areas include: overall economic development; the Welsh Government's climate targets; the power of consent on energy projects (up to 350 megawatts); and devolved transport infrastructure. The Secretary of State must consult with the Welsh Ministers, Welsh local authorities, and Welsh charities and civil society organisations during this review. A report detailing the findings must be presented to Parliament within 180 days of the bill becoming law, followed by an oral statement to the House of Commons.

Government Spending

The bill itself does not directly impact government spending. It focuses on the potential devolution of the *management* of existing SPF funds allocated to Wales; the total amount allocated remains unchanged. The impact on government spending will depend on the conclusions and recommendations of the review.

Groups Affected

The bill could affect several groups:

• The Welsh Government: Could gain greater control over the use of SPF funds, potentially leading to more effective alignment with Welsh priorities.
• Local Authorities in Wales: Involvement in the consultation process will give them a voice in how the funds are managed.
• Charities and Civil Society Organisations in Wales: Similar to local authorities, their input in the consultation will influence the outcome.
• UK Government: May see a shift in administrative responsibilities if devolution is recommended.

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