Levelling up falls short in Telford and Wrekin
The leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has expressed his bitter disappointment as the Government fails to allocate a single penny to the borough as part of its Levelling Up Fund.
The fund, which is a key part of the Government’s plan toreduce the difference between the richer and poorer parts of the UK, saw someparts of the country receive over £100 million and Telford and Wrekin receivenothing, despite a quarter of Telford’s neighbourhoods being recognised asthose in the 20% most in need nationally.
Leader of the council, Shaun Davies (Labour) said: “Icontinue to be completely baffled by the Government’s decision not to recognisethe challenges we face in Telford and Wrekin in giving people a fair chance.
“It’s a similar story for other authorities up and down thecounty who are facing similarly high levels of need in their communities, but nosupport as part of Levelling Up.
“How can areas where people have the greatest needs beignored?”
Telford & Wrekin Council secured £23.3 million as partof the Towns Fund to support regeneration plans back in June, which will add tothe £100 million the council had already committed, but with no Levelling UpFund, Future High Street money or Community Renewal Fund, they fear that theirambitious plans for the borough will be impacted.
Mr Davies continued: “The numbers just don’t stack up forTelford and Wrekin. The Government says it’s committed to giving people a fairchance, but after years of austerity reducing our spending power by £148million each year and now no money as part of this latest round of funding, levellingup is falling short in Telford and Wrekin. We feel very short changed.
“We believe in our Borough – we choose to live here, workhere, invest here – bring up our families here – yet time and time again the Governmentdo not believe in or back Telford and Wrekin – and I agree with ShropshireCouncil Councillors – enough is enough.”
