Billions for levelling up 'wasted' as ministers pick wrong projects

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View online February 02, 2022   1 / Billions for levelling up 'wasted' as ministers pick wrong projects and ignore 'what works', study warns Billions of pounds spent on "levelling up" may be wasted because ministers are picking projects too small to revive poorer areas, a report has warned.    The damning research comes as a long-delayed blueprint for Boris Johnson's flagship policy is unveiled today.    The levelling up white paper will set out 12 legally-binding "missions", including to increase pay, jobs, investment, transport connections, home ownership and school results in poorer areas, while cutting crime.    The report, from the National Audit Office, has sharply criticised grants from the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund and £3.2bn Towns Fund for not being "based on evidence".    2 / Racism ruining doctors' mental health, finds largest survey of discrimination in medicine Exclusive A consultant of Indian background said: "I think of leaving this job every day"   3 / Boris Johnson 'gave speech at No 10 leaving do' during third Covid lockdown, new reports claim PM also faces new claim he attended party in his Downing Street flat on night of Cumming's exit   4 / Mason Greenwood: Manchester United striker further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill Greenwood initially arrested on suspicion of rape and assault     5 / Whoopi Goldberg suspended from 'The View' for Holocaust comments 'Effective immediately, I am suspending Whoopi Goldberg for two weeks for her wrong and hurtful comments' The Big Question     What are the facts behind Boris Johnson's 'disgraceful' Jimmy Savile smear against Sir Keir Starmer? Boris Johnson has been branded a "disgrace" after he falsely accused Sir Keir Starmer of being responsible for the failure to prosecute Jimmy Savile during Monday's heated session in the House of Commons in the aftermath of the publication of Sue Gray's redacted report into the "Partygate" scandal.   The PM made the claim while on the ropes during a tense exchange about the notorious lockdown parties in allusion to his opposite number's previous role as director of public prosecutions.   The accusation drew a stony glare from Sir Keir in the House, runs contrary to the findings of an independent fact-checking organisation and led a former chief Crown prosecutor to denounce Mr Johnson amid the subsequent outcry. So why did he say it and what are the facts? Read the full story >   Watch / British Airways plane almost rolls over as it lands in 90mph winds at Heathrow NUMBER OF THE DAY £2m A City banker has been awarded more than £2m compensation for discrimination after drunk male colleagues left a witch's hat on her desk. QUOTE OF THE DAY "I want to see more compassionate, reasonable politics in this House and that sort of comment can only inflame opinions and generate disregard for this House." –    Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has slapped down Boris Johnson for his Commons claim that Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile, amid a growing backlash. Other stories you might like A year of President Biden: Join our expert panel as they discuss Biden's first 12 months in office Arrested and ignored: The ordeal of grooming gang victims at hands of authorities there to protect them M&S and Aldi settle Colin the Caterpillar copyright dispute Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul, The Independent: Boris Johnson could still survive – and this is how If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters.     Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.