Conservatives promise £20 million to 30 towns, Labour criticizes plan as ‘reckless and unfunded’
Rishi Sunak emphasized that towns are the ‘the beating heart of our country’, contrasting Angela Rayner’s view who stated the promise would likely be broken as quickly as it was made.
The Tories have revealed a commitment to allocate £20 million to 30 towns, a move branded as “reckless, unfunded” by Labour.
The Conservatives have expanded their long-term plan for towns by announcing that more than 100 towns will be included in the program, with local residents determining the allocation of funds for long-term regeneration.
Under this initiative, the Tories promise that local residents, rather than those in Westminster, will have a say in how the funds are utilized.
They argue that bringing decision-makers closer to the people and businesses impacted by this transformational funding is a key aspect of their plan.
Among the towns slated to benefit from the program are Tamworth, Preston, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Corby, Halifax, Bognor Regis, Newtown, Flint, Perth, and Newry.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “We, the Conservatives, have a vision for towns because we understand that they are the beating heart of our nation.
“This bold move will rejuvenate 30 more towns—reviving their commercial areas, boosting their local economies, and fostering a sense of pride in their hometowns.
“Labour’s track record in governance reflects a lack of concern for towns—neglecting their needs, allowing their decline, and concentrating on cities instead.
“Sir Keir Starmer fails to offer a plan to unlock opportunities in towns and would set us back.
“Building on our successful efforts to level up in Teesside and the Midlands, we will extend our initiatives across the nation to establish a secure future for future generations.”
Labour has criticized the Tories for earmarking the same funds for pensions and the National Service plan as what is being used for town investments.
In response to the plan, Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader and shadow levelling up secretary, remarked: “Just a few days ago, Rishi Sunak diverted funds meant for levelling up to support his teenage Dad’s Army.
“Today, he is back with another untenably unfunded spending commitment, likely to be reneged on just as swiftly.
“Communities nationwide are experiencing the repercussions of 14 years of Tory decline: boarded-up shops, escalating expenses, and a growing income disparity with London.
“Labour aims to rectify the chaos created by the Conservatives by fostering growth nationally, increasing individuals’ financial resources, and granting them control over what truly matters.”
LibDem levelling-up spokeswoman Helen Morgan dismissed the Tories’ announcement as deceptive.
She commented: “Their ‘levelling-up’ agenda has spurred competition among councils in recent years, leaving them pleading for meager funds, with rural areas often overlooked.
“We need substantial funding for local councils along with increased authority for them to undertake investments they deem necessary.
“The Liberal Democrats prioritize our communities and retail districts by reforming business rates to attract new ventures to invest in our high streets.
“We also pledge to adequately invest in our rural areas, in contrast to the Conservative’s pattern of neglecting them.”
