Laura Sharman 04 August 2021

Rural communities 'overlooked' in levelling-up funding, report finds

Rural communities overlooked in levelling-up funding, report finds image

The allocation of levelling up funding is 'overlooking' rural communities, a report has claimed today.

The report, published by the Rural Services Network, argues the way the Government is allocating funding is failing to recognise the needs of rural communities and instead favours 'Red Wall' areas.

Towards the UK Shared Prosperity Fund finds only 18 rural authorities are on the Government's priority list for funding. It says that 27 authorities should be on this list if low standards of living in rural communities were properly accounted for.

The report, commissioned from Pragmatix Advisory, recommends that future Levelling Up funds should be allocated between local authorities on the basis of an assessment of living standards achievable by people living and working in each district.

Graham Biggs, chief executive of the Rural Services Network, said: 'Currently, the way in which government allocates spending spatially is failing to unlock the opportunities rural areas can offer to the nation.

'Whitehall needs to keep it simple. Allocate Levelling Up funds to where living standards, and economic opportunities, are lowest – regardless of whether these are in the North or the South, or in towns, cities, conurbations or in countryside.

The process simply needs to be fair, transparent and demonstrably based on need.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner