Concerns raised over R&D in Levelling Up Fund

Government confirms £4.8 billion UK-wide fund but provides no clarity on R&D element

The government has confirmed the creation of a £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund aimed at boosting economic growth across the UK, but concerns over the apparent lack of an R&D element in the fund remain.

The fund, first announced in the November spending review, includes £4bn for England, with up to £0.8bn shared between Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It will “invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on people and their communities”.