William Eichler 04 March 2024

Less than 20% of levelling up projects completed

Less than 20% of levelling up projects completed image
Image: Tom Woollard / Shutterstock.com.

Fewer than a fifth of projects backed by the Government's £3.6bn Towns Fund were on track to be completed by the end of February, freedom of information (FOI) requests have revealed.

Submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) by local government expert Jack Shaw, the FOI requests revealed that out of 973 towns fund projects, only 154 are due to be completed by the end of February.

This figure rises to 385 – or 40% of the total – by the end of November.

Mr Straw told The Guardian: ‘Given this was a flagship policy priority at the last general election, the expectations on the Government to deliver new infrastructure in places that have historically been ignored were high.

‘Inflation and interest rates have prevented some projects from making progress, but the Government has also failed to respond to those changes and has instead asked places to reduce their ambition. Come the election, current evidence suggests the Government will have failed its pledge to “level up” communities.’

A DLUHC spokesperson said: ‘All of the money which was allocated from the towns fund is on track to be spent by March 2026 as planned, with more than 100 projects already completed. The rate at which projects are being completed is entirely consistent with the delivery timeframes we have set out.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highways Capital Lead

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£47,754 - £50,788
To be responsible for management of the Regional Highway Capital Delivery Teams South Wales
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Development Management Engineer

Coventry City Council
£37,938 - £44,711
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recuriter: Coventry City Council

SEN Locality Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Occupational Therapist (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8 - Grade 9
We are expanding our Occupational Therapy service which support adults to maximise their potential within their homes and communities. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St Francis' Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St Francis' PrimaryPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner