Read: 'Levelling up' must be more targeted, say peers

The PM's "levelling up" plans need to be more targeted to prevent deprived areas being "short-changed", say peers.

Boris Johnson has made the pledge a central part of his election campaigns, promising to invest in "every part of the UK".

But the Lords Public Services Committee said inequality would grow if money for the NHS, schools and councils was not protected.

A government spokesman said its plans would have "a real impact" on lives.

They also said a white paper would be published later this year to set out "bold new policy interventions".

But the committee said it needed to be released urgently to avoid the suggestion money is being channelled into Conservative seats - something the government denies.

The report added: "Without full transparency and political accountability, local areas will continue to question why they have missed out on 'levelling up' funding while others have benefited."

Read the full story on BBC News.

Established with input from businesses, universities, civil society, policymakers - including Members of Parliament - and regulators, the Levelling Up Goals aim to set out clear objectives for the UK's Levelling Up challenge in the wake of Covid- 19.