Minister offers communities multi-billion pound offer to boost local growth

The Communities Secretary said the deals would boost the chances of areas securing significant inward investment from overseas – he will today chair an historic summit with Chinese regional leaders to highlight the opportunities available across the country.

 

Under the Growth Deals, England's 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships – made up of council leaders and business representatives – will be able to apply for a share of £1.8billion to support projects in their areas that boost local economic growth and create jobs.

 

The money forms part of the Government's £12billion Local Growth Fund, which is already being used to support successful projects – chosen by communities themselves.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:

 

"We're completely changing the way business is done in this country, ending the top-down, 'Whitehall knows best' mentality of the past and instead putting power back where it belongs – in the hands of local communities."With this offer of a Growth Deal to communities across the country, we're backing this devolution revolution with billions of pounds, releasing vital investment in projects across the country to boost local skills, deliver new homes and create jobs."

Devolving power and funding to communities

 

The Government has made clear its commitment to putting power directly into the hands of communities to shape the future development of their area.

 

Last week's Budget included five new and extended devolution deals, which transfer billions of pounds and extensive powers from Whitehall to cities and counties, and paved the way for work to start on major infrastructure and housing projects, by allocating funding support from the Local Growth Fund.

 

Mr Clark urged Local Enterprise Partnerships to "be ambitious" and apply for a share of the remaining £1.8billion Local Growth Fund to support projects in their area.