Bosses draw up plans for priorities for £25m Towns Fund cash
Council bosses are set to draw up plans for a £25 million funding pot to regenerate parts of Wolverhampton.
The cash is available through the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, which enables local authorities to invest in infrastructure in specific areas.
A meeting to discuss proposals for Wolverhampton was due to take place today, where Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson is expected to make the case for investment in her constituency.
The Tory MP met with Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick earlier this week to confirm that the money Wolverhampton receives can be spent anywhere within the city’s boundaries.
She said: "It’s fantastic to see the Government investing in communities across the country with the £3.6 billion Towns Fund. I want to see areas in my constituency such as Wednesfield be part of this investment, and I’m delighted that the Secretary of State agrees with me.
"It is now down to the Labour-led city council, which will draw up the proposals for the funding, to make sure my constituents share in the benefits of this Government funding.
"Whilst the city centre has significant problems which do need to be addressed, we must not forget other parts of the city which need investment too.
"I look forward to working with local communities and business leaders as the proposals take shape."
A number of parts of the Black Country have been earmarked for the Towns fund, including Dudley, Walsall, Bloxwich, Rowley Regis, Smethwick and West Bromwich.
Wolverhampton Council has also put forward a business case for the £20m Future High Streets Fund, which it wants to help deliver its city centre vision.
The bid focuses on the area of the city centre to the west of, and including, Victoria Street.
Earlier this month The Government was accused of being "out of touch" after it launched the Towns Fund in the city of Wolverhampton.
