Government Opens £285m Good Growth Fund for Regional Mayors
Local leaders across England will share £285 million of new funding meant to support economic growth and give communities more say over investment. The government calls the money Good Growth funding. It will be allocated next year.
The aim is to reduce reliance on Westminster. Mayors would be able to pick their own priorities, such as new homes, better transport links and high street regeneration.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "I'm calling time on local leaders going cap in hand to Westminster. That is no way to run a country." He added that when he became Prime Minister he had said that if a decision can be made closer to home, it should be. "Today we're putting that into practice, shifting power into the hands of the people who know their communities best."
More money and borrowing powers
The announcement comes with two further measures. The government plans a £1.5 billion borrowing facility from 2028. It also plans £150 million to help strategic authorities manage additional responsibilities.
Chancellor John Healey said local people have the right to decide their own future. "Mayors and local leaders know what their communities need to grow, which is why we are giving them more money, more power and more capacity to get projects moving, build homes and make the right decisions for their areas," he said.
The proposals have the support of regional mayors. Those backing the plans include Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, alongside Sadiq Khan of London, Bev Craig of Greater Manchester, Tracy Brabin of West Yorkshire, Kim McGuinness of the North East, Oliver Coppard of South Yorkshire and Richard Parker of the West Midlands. Claire Ward of the East Midlands, David Skaith of York and North Yorkshire and Helen Godwin of the West of England have also given their backing.
The mayors pointed to the importance of local decision-making in delivering housing, transport improvements, business investment and economic opportunities.
The government says the measures form part of its wider devolution plans, which give local leaders greater freedom to shape their communities' economic futures.
Source: Hits Radio