I am pleased that the Government has announced a new Stronger Towns Fund – a new fund which will provide targeted and strategic support for towns across England.
The fund will be used to create new jobs, help train local people and boost economic activity – with communities having a say on how the money is spent.
£1 billion of funding has been allocated across England, and in the West Midlands we will receive a £222 million allocation. Communities will be able to draw up plans for their town, with the support and advice of our Local Enterprise Partnerships. I am very keen that this could be an opportunity for Brownhills to receive further funding to help with its regeneration and I will be exploring and pursuing this further.
For too long in our country prosperity has been unfairly spread. Our economy has worked well for some places but the Stronger Towns Fund demonstrates how as a Government we want it to work for all of our communities.
Towns like Brownhills have a glorious heritage, huge potential and, with the right help, a bright future ahead of them. That is why I will be seeking to ensure the Stronger Towns Fund can help communities such as those in our area.