LGA responds to Prime Minister's funding for towns announcement

“We support the measures announced today to boost cities, towns and regions - this is good news for local communities and businesses seeking to improve their prospects."

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Responding to today’s announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of ‘levelling up’ towns and regions across the country and that 100 towns will receive £3.6 billion in funding, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: 

“We support the measures announced today to boost cities, towns and regions - this is good news for local communities and businesses seeking to improve their prospects.

“It recognises that democratically elected local councils have a key role to play in delivering better transport links, digital connectivity, housing, and all the important infrastructure like parks and libraries that creates strong communities and economies.

“The Prime Minister has rightly acknowledged the need to bring decision-making closer to local people. It is vital that communities in all parts of the country have access to the benefits of devolution. When councils have the freedoms and funding to make local decisions, there is clear and significant evidence that outcomes improve and the country gets better value for money.

“We look forward to working with the Prime Minister on how devolution to those areas outside our major cities can deliver great communities and improve the lives of residents. Councils are at the heart of their communities and are best positioned to deliver.

“However, with councils facing a funding gap of £8 billion by 2025, the Spending Review also needs to provide councils with the resources to ensure delivery of vital services keep pace with newly regenerated town centres that local communities can enjoy.”


The LGA’s #CouncilsCan campaign calls on the new Prime Minister to ensure the forthcoming Spending Review secures the future of vital local services and the long-term financial sustainability of councils. In our #CouncilsCan publication we set out the bold, positive case for a new localism agenda, underpinned by an English Devolution Bill in the Queen’s Speech, that reignites the devolution process and empowers councils to take on greater responsibilities for their places.