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.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner