Ministry invites 100 places to apply for ‘Town Deals’ in bid to boost regeneration

The Government has invited 100 places to develop proposals for a new generation of so-called “Town Deals” under which they could receive up to £25m.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the towns eligible for support from the £3.6bn Towns Fund included “places with proud industrial and economic heritage but [which] have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas”.

The MHCLG said the plans would focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.

Those invited to take part include 45 places across the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and 30 places in the ‘Midlands Engine’.

Secretary of State Robert Jenrick said: “Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities, is at the heart of the mission of this government.

“We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.

“I will now work with local people from the 100 communities announced today to agree proposals to invest up to £25m in each place. I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each town can look to the future with a new optimism.”

In July the Prime Minister announced an additional £1.325bn to take the total value of the Towns Fund to £3.6bn.

The MHCLG said a prospectus would be published shortly to guide towns through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.