Housing minister Grant Shapps today announced £30m to invest in regenerating the UK’s former coalfields.
Shapps said it was unacceptable that coalfield communities remain plagued by long-term unemployment and a fragile economic recovery.
The announcement followed the publication of the government’s response to the Review of Coalfields Regeneration, led by former Barnsley West & Penistone MP Michael Clapham.
The government has accepted many of the review’s findings – including the need for continued investment in former coalfield communities – but said local authorities would be at the forefront to ensure funding reaches where it is needed most.
Shapps said: “Central government is removing barriers, freeing up local authorities to spend their resources to suit local needs, and funding Local Enterprise Partnerships which, for the first time, bring businesses into local regeneration.
“So I am looking to local people, councils and businesses to play more of a role in regenerating these areas.”
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
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