Overview

This bill mandates a government review on whether control of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) in Wales should be transferred from the UK government to the Welsh Government. The review will assess if this devolution would improve policy coherence and effectiveness.

Description

The Shared Prosperity Fund (Wales) Bill requires the UK Secretary of State to conduct a review examining the advantages of transferring the management and administration of the SPF funds allocated to Wales to the Welsh Government.

The review must consider whether devolution would create better policy alignment with existing Welsh Government responsibilities, such as:

• Economic development
• Climate change targets
• Energy project consent (up to 350 megawatts)
• Transport infrastructure

The Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers, Welsh local authorities, and Welsh charities and civil society organisations. A report on the review must be presented to Parliament within 180 days of the Act’s passing, followed by an oral statement to the House of Commons.

Government Spending

The bill itself does not directly impact government spending. The review focuses on the potential transfer of the management and administration of existing SPF funds allocated to Wales. The actual spending remains unchanged; only the responsibility for its disbursement would shift.

Groups Affected

• Welsh Government: Could gain greater control over funds, potentially aligning spending with their priorities.
• Local authorities in Wales: May experience changes in how they receive and utilize SPF funding.
• Charities and civil society organisations in Wales: Could see altered funding processes or application procedures.
• UK Government: Would potentially relinquish some control over the distribution of SPF funds in Wales.

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