The government will launch a £1.6bn funding boost to give communities a greater say in their future after Brexit
This funding boost will be used to create new jobs, help train local people and boost economic activity – with communities having a say on how the money is spent. The Stronger Towns Fund will be targeted at places that have not shared in the proceeds of growth in the same way as more prosperous parts of the country.
To be launched this year, the fund is part of the government’s commitment to build a more prosperous economy that works for everyone.
A total of £1bn will be allocated using a needs-based formula. More than half this share (£583m) will go to towns across the North with a further £322m allocated to communities in the Midlands. Communities will be able to draw up job-boosting plans for their town, with the support and advice of their Local Enterprise Partnerships.
Another £600m will be available through a bidding process to communities in any part of the country.
Local communities will be encouraged to come together to draw up proposals to restore pride and create new jobs in their area. The government will also seek to ensure towns across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from the new funding.
Theresa May said: “For too long in our country prosperity has been unfairly spread. Our economy has worked well for some places but we want it to work for all communities.
“Communities across the country voted for Brexit as an expression of their desire to see change – that must be a change for the better, with more opportunity and greater control.
“These towns have a glorious heritage, huge potential and, with the right help, a bright future ahead of them.”
James Brokenshire added: “We have listened to people who are concerned by momentous changes to their communities and I am determined to provide the support they need to create a more prosperous future beyond Brexit.
“This major new fund builds on more than £9bn in City and Growth Deals we have delivered since 2010 to help hard working people reach their full potential and to build an economy that works for everyone.”
