Levelling Up Fund (LUF) overview

The Levelling Up Fund is a UK Government fund. It is one part of the UK Government’s broader offer to level up opportunity across the whole of the UK. Its purpose is especially intended to support investment in places where it can make the biggest difference to everyday life, including ex-industrial areas, deprived towns and coastal communities. Up to £4.8 billion (until 2024-25) will potentially be available for the Fund across the UK, with at least £800 million invested in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Fund will focus on capital investment.

The Levelling Up Fund will invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on people and their communities. This includes a range of high value local investment priorities, including local transport schemes, urban regeneration projects and cultural assets. Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to provide support, where they deem it appropriate. In Wales, applications (bids) for funding are submitted by the local authorities. The number of bids that a local authority can make will relate to the number of MPs in their area. The application process is competitive, meaning that not all local authorities will be successful in gaining the requested funds.