Following a statement by Telford & Wrekin Council on Telford’s Towns Fund bid, local MP Lucy Allan has made the following comments:
Lucy Allan MP said:
It is wrong for the Council to state that “the Government is not giving money to Telford & Wrekin.”
The bidding process is set out in the prospectus and the Telford Towns Fund Board is following that process in the same way as any other Towns Fund Board.
The decision was taken by the Board not to apply for funding until the third phase. Towns in the first phase were allocated funding on 3rd March 2021. No cash allocations are expected for any towns in the third phase until the bidding process is complete. This may take between 7 and 12 months.
The Towns Fund bid has not failed. The Board’s objective is to secure the maximum funding for Telford. We have received constructive feedback on the initial investment plan which will assist us in the bidding process. As a Board Member and Telford’s MP, I will continue to work with my fellow board members and Government to secure this vital funding for Telford’s future.
Notes: Telford is eligible to apply for £25m of Government funding for projects to boost skills, connectivity, jobs and growth, as part of the Government’s levelling up agenda.
ENDS
