New guidance for the government’s £1.1bn ‘long term plan for towns’ has confirmed the boards in charge of spending the cash should be led by a local independent chair who will act as a ‘champion’ for the town.
The guidance from the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities stipulates the ‘chair can be anyone who holds a prominent role in the community such as heads of charities, education establishments or football clubs.’
Under the department’s long term plan for towns announced in October 55 areas are to receive up to £20m each for town centre and high street refurbishment projects over ten years. The areas must set up a town board by 1 April 2024 to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the local MP. The department has also allocated £50,000 for each town to appoint the chair.
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