Local authority leaders today called for ‘clarity’ on the future of the delayed post-Brexit shared prosperity fund.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils urgently needed to know when they will receive their respective allocations from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which was introduced to replace the seven-year European Structural and Investment Fund.

Around £250m was allocated directly to councils and combined authorities for 2022/23, out of a total of £2.6bn and was intended to be spent between October 2022 and the end of March 2023.

Repeated delays by the Government has left councils with little time to deliver the first year allocations.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: ‘Local leaders want to get on with the work of levelling up their communities, but are waiting on government to give them the go-ahead when it comes to the UKSPF.

‘Investment plans, setting out how they intend to boost businesses, high streets, community support and a whole range of other areas, have been submitted by councils and combined authorities, but continual delays in approval make it harder for them to deliver their ambitions.

‘What is needed now is a clear decision from government on the UKSPF, so that these vital projects – which are so essential to our economic growth and recovery – can be kickstarted before inflation and prices rise further.’

A Government spokesperson said: ‘As outlined in the Autumn Statement, the UKSPF recommitted to match EU funding across all four nations and we will start delivery across the UK shortly.’

For more on the UKSPF visit The MJ (£).