To ask the Minister of Finance, further to the UK Government’s commitment to fund Growth Deals for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid South West Region, to detail how she is supporting the projects to progress.

The lifting of the pause on the two Growth Deals was very welcome news. I am delighted that all four Deals can now get on with developing and delivering the range of exciting and transformative projects across the North for the benefits of our citizens, businesses and visitors.

City and Growth Deals are an Executive priority, and I have had the pleasure of meeting with all Deal representatives and visiting some of the project sites, ensuring that partners are supported in the projects. I have attended a series of different events and continue to positively influence and champion for all four Deals and their projects.

I receive regular briefings on the initiative, with which I, in turn, share with Executive colleagues and the Finance committee to ensure timely updates are provided on progress and developments, as well as any relevant arising issues.

Key decisions required of the Executive in relation to City and Growth Deals are brought by me through Executive papers and recommendations. These include funding decisions and relevant approvals.

In addition, my Department has an oversight role for the City and Growth Deals initiative. The Department of Finance Permanent Secretary is the Senior Responsible Owner for NICS and there is a dedicated division with the Department to oversee the governance and funding. This team engages on a regular basis with Deals, Councils, Departments, the British Government and a range of other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and partnership, implementing consistent policies and approaches and help drive overall progress.

My Department is also involved in the business case approvals process to ensure value for money. Construction and Procurement Delivery within my Department assists Accountable Departments involved in the City and Growth Deal projects to ensure value for money in public procurement.

Several other Departments are directly involved in the initiative, being accountable for the funding to projects within their policy remit. City and Growth Deals is an excellent example of partnership and collaboration to ensure the many projects across the four Deals are successful.