Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his Brexit Minister responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:42 pm on 22 January 2020.
Diolch, Llywydd. Whilst the new Welsh Secretary, Simon Hart, last week stated that the UK shared prosperity fund, about which we've heard a fair amount already would not, I quote,
'drive a coach and horses through the devolution settlement', he has, unfortunately, not given a firm assurance as to whether the Welsh Government would control this new fund. Any loss of control over European funding, of course, would be a power grab. This week, local government leaders in Wales have also expressed concern about the uncertainty around the level of funding within the fund, given its importance in terms of regeneration plans in many parts of Wales. So, can I ask: have you spoken to the Welsh Secretary since last week? What is your latest understanding of the UK Government's proposal, and will you give a commitment to ensure that the voice of local government leaders in Wales is heard?