The East of England has received the smallest share of funding in round three of the Levelling Up Fund from the Government. Out of a total pot just short of £1 billion, the East of England has received just £23.6 million for two projects. This is in comparison to another region in England that received £168.8 million.
In this week’s Autumn Statement, positive announcements for our region were also sparse. We welcome additional funding to tackle water scarcity in Cambridge and leisure facilities in North Norfolk. In addition, the focus on innovation and £520m for life sciences, one of our region’s key sectors, is positive. However, while further Investment Zones were announced, none of these were in our region.
We urge the Government to appreciate that many communities in the East of England, alongside other parts of the country, require additional support to achieve their full potential. The Levelling Up the East of England 2023-30 report shone a light on some of these challenges and the areas that require the greatest focus.
As well as supporting communities to level-up, the Government must recognise the huge economic growth potential of the East of England and how investment here creates prosperity for the nation.
The East of England LGA, working in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the region and other key national, regional and local partners has now launched an economic and infrastructure review. This crucial project will highlight the significant economic potential the region has and how it can support UK growth and productivity if the right support is received from the Government.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Chair of the East of England LGA and Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“Many across our region will find it disappointing to see the East of England fall short once again in the Government’s funding decisions. We will work alongside partners to make the case for greater investment and help the Government to recognise the region’s huge potential. Our economic and infrastructure review will form the evidence-base for this work going forward.”