Regeneration plans laid out by the Department of Levelling-up have been announced, as part of a long-awaited announcement.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Secretary or State, Michael Gove has announced the Government intends to help transform derelict areas of 20 towns and cities in England, creating new housing and jobs.
Mr Gove said “It’s time for change. After two long Covid years we need to get this country moving at top speed again. We need faster growth, quicker public services, higher wages, and a power shift to the people. There is talent everywhere in the UK ready to be harnessed. But one thing still holds us back.
“While talent is spread equally across the UK, opportunity is not. Our country is a success story, but not everyone is sharing in it.”
What does Levelling-up actually mean?:
With many still confused with the Government’s definition of levelling-up, Mr Gove said “We need to tackle, and reverse, the inequality that is limiting so many horizons, and which also harms our economy. The gap between much of the South East and the rest of the country – in productivity, health outcomes, wages, school results and job opportunities – must be closed.”
With a sting of by-election defeats to a predominantly Liberal Democrat Candidates, many southern England councils are concerned that levelling-up the Midlands and North could ‘level-down’ their communities.
The Levelling-up white paper:
With the long-awaited levelling-up white paper due for publication this week, the Government says it will set out further details in its blueprint to “level up” economic opportunities around the UK.
After months of turmoil caused by the Sue Gray inquiry, the Government hopes the decade-long plan will see the potential of every corner of the United Kingdom fulfilled.
The levelling-up plan is expected to unveil a new tranche of devolution, spreading powers from Whitehall to communities around the country.
Cabinet sources have told the BBC some government figures do not think the plans are “ambitious enough”, with concerns the proposals repackage certain policies that have already been announced.
Re announcing old money:
Labour said the announcement was “recycled money” and would not do enough to boost poorer areas.
The government regeneration of the 20 locations is being funded by part of a £1.5bn fund announced by the chancellor at the last Budget in October.
Speaking on the BBC Sunday Morning programme, the Shadow Levelling-up Secretary, Lisa Nandy added that the announcement “completely misses the point,” highlighting that people needed “good jobs and wages” to ensure the success of levelling up.
Further arts and culture funding:
More than 100 areas outside London will benefit from extra funding for arts and culture from 2023, the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said.
Arts Council England will identify the locations, and DCMS said 100% of the additional funding recently agreed would go to supporting culture and creativity outside of London.
