Yorkshire and Humber region to share in £1.6bn government funding

Announced today (March 4) as part of the new Stronger Towns Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber could benefit from £197m investment ensuring local towns grow.

Delivered over seven years from 2019-20, the £1.6bn fund is part of the government’s commitment to providing long term support for places that have not shared in the proceeds of growth in the same way as more prosperous parts of the country.

It will be used to create new jobs, help train local people and boost growth - with communities having a say on how the money is spent.

Announcing the Stronger Towns Fund, prime minister Theresa May MP said: “For too long in our country prosperity has been unfairly spread. Our economy has worked well for some places but we want it to work for all communities.

“Communities across the country voted for Brexit as an expression of their desire to see change - that must be a change for the better, with more opportunity and greater control.

“These towns have a glorious heritage, huge potential and, with the right help, a bright future ahead of them.”

Across England, a total of £1bn will be allocated at Local Enterprise Partnership area level using a needs-based formula, with over half of this share (£583m) going to the Northern Powerhouse.

Another £600m will be available through a competitive process. Local partners will be encouraged to come together to bring forward ambitious proposals in the coming months.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry MP said: “We must create inclusive growth everywhere, which means enabling towns and people across the Northern Powerhouse to prosper.

“What has worked in Grimsby is a blueprint for how the government can work with local people to build infrastructure, confidence and ambition. I am determined for the whole north to grow and this fund will ensure no one is left behind.”

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