Mark Conrad 17 November 2023

Levelling up ambitions blighted by delays, says NAO

Ministers’ levelling up ambitions have been blighted by delays to key construction projects, with many deadlines unlikely to be met, the UK’s spending watchdog has warned.

A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) today revealed supposed ‘shovel-ready’ projects allocated cash from the £3.2bn Towns Fund and £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund have suffered significant delays.

Almost £10.6bn has been earmarked for levelling up projects through the two funds and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, but just £900m had been spent by March 2023.

To continue reading this article visit The MJ (£).

#Funding #Finance #Levelling up #Watchdog

Analysis

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.

Opinion

Parks: Councils' secret weapon, not an easy cut

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd tells LocalGov why councils weighing cuts to green spaces are missing the bigger picture.

Most Popular News

Ex-neo-Nazi quits council race, becomes Badenoch adviser

Devo minister resigns

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Programme Director - North London Heat and Power Project

£165,000 + bonus

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the final delivery, commissioning and transition into operation of this landmark project. London (Greater)

Recuriter: North London Waste Authority

Executive Director of Prosperity and Place

£153,685 - £164,743

You will shape and deliver bold priorities that enhance quality of life, strengthen infrastructure, support inclusive economic growth Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Head of safeguarding and quality assurance - Adults

£87,117 to £93,978 per annum

As Head of Service, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of adults who access support from our services. Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Hybryd Working

Recuriter: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council