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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Michael Goodier and Richard Partington

Most levelling up projects still unfinished years after funding allocated

Levelling Up Fund Tories Whitehall
Collage of Layton Market, red-brick terraced houses, and a town hall clock with lamps
Data reviewed by the Guardian found 821 levelling up projects out of 1,347 were yet to be finalised as of May 2026. Composite: Guardian Design

Most levelling up projects are not finished, years after funds were allocated, highlighting how ambitious Conservative promises of quick progress on regional equality have faltered.

Data released under freedom of information laws and manually reviewed by the Guardian found 821 levelling up projects out of 1,347 were yet to be finalised as of May this year. Across the UK, 73 council areas that had a bid for a project accepted were yet to see a single one fully completed. The Guardian has identified 59 projects that were completed since the data was collected.

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