William Eichler 29 July 2019

Towns to receive £3.6bn to ‘level up’ power across England

Local authority leaders have welcomed the prime minister’s announcement that 100 towns will receive £3.6bn in funding, but warned councils still face an £8bn funding gap.

Speaking at the Manchester Science and Industry Museum over the weekend, Boris Johnson said he intended to start ‘answering the pleas of some of our left behind towns.’

Mr Johnson told his audience that his Government would bring forward plans on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and expand Growth Deals in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

He also said that the £3.6bn Towns Fund, that would be made available to an initial 100 towns, will help improve transport and broadband connectivity and give a boost to ‘vital social and cultural infrastructure’, such as libraries.

The new PM also said that he would give greater powers to council leaders and communities.

‘We are going to level up the powers offered to mayors so that more people can benefit from the kind of local government structures seen in London and here in Manchester,’ Mr Johnson explained.

‘We are going to give more communities a greater say over changes to transport, housing, public services and infrastructure that will benefit their areas and drive local growth.

‘And in doing so, we will see to it that every part of this country sees the benefits of the potentially massive opportunity that will come from Brexit.’

Responding to the announcement, Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said it was ‘good news for local communities and businesses seeking to improve their prospects.’

'It recognises that democratically elected local councils have a key role to play in delivering better transport links, digital connectivity, housing, and all the important infrastructure like parks and libraries that creates strong communities and economies,’ he continued.

‘The prime minister has rightly acknowledged the need to bring decision-making closer to local people. It is vital that communities in all parts of the country have access to the benefits of devolution.

‘When councils have the freedoms and funding to make local decisions, there is clear and significant evidence that outcomes improve and the country gets better value for money.’

Cllr Jamieson added that he looked forward to working with the new PM on devolution, but he warned that councils face a funding gap of £8bn by 2025.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner