UK Government Falls Short on Half of 'Levelling Up' Pledges While Funding Goes Unspent
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No progress made on half of UK government's 12 levelling up targets including education, skills, wellbeing, local pride, housing, and health.
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Some funding appeared to have been used as "Christmas presents" to win votes rather than properly address regional inequalities.
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Government commitment to the north has "ebbed and flowed" and lacked consistent focus.
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Only 10% of £10 billion allocated for levelling up has been spent, with most projects missing deadlines.
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Progress made on devolving powers with new mayors and deals, but implementation of wider agenda has struggled.