Statement by Leader of the Council, Cllr James Naish following a question tabled by Bassetlaw's MP at today's (24th May) Prime Minister's Questions.
"I welcome the question from Bassetlaw's MP seeking to clarify that Retford is eligible to apply for investment funds, and I hope other settlements in the District will be able to apply as well without any restrictions. We want all communities to see their fair share of investment and have been successful in securing £3.4m of UK Shared Prosperity Fund money, and anticipate receiving over £700,000 of Rural England Prosperity Fund money, that will be spent across the whole of Bassetlaw, including in Retford.
"Our MP was part of the multi-agency Project Board which submitted Bassetlaw's application for Levelling Up Fund Round 2. The Council's efforts and resources were channelled into a single bid, with the decision-making criteria stating that ‘each local authority was capped at one successful bid’.
“We have been informed that we are one of the 20 areas selected as part of a new £400m Levelling Up Partnership. So far, we have had no detail of how this fund will operate and are seeking clarifications from ministers. It is our intention, if the fund criteria allow, to ensure that the area as a whole continues to build on the positive story emerging in Bassetlaw about rejuvenated town centres and modern, high-skilled industries choosing to locate here.
"In his statement to the House, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up would work with colleagues in Bassetlaw to identify the best place to focus our work. As a Council, we are fully committed to working with key agencies and significant stakeholders like Bassetlaw's MP to maximise the success of any future investment in local areas, and look forward to putting bids forward for consideration as part of the Government's funding schemes."
Last Updated on Thursday, March 7, 2024