Bolton Council unsuccessful in three separate bids for the latest round of Levelling-Up Funding

Image shows the words
Image shows the words 'Levelling Up'

Late last night, the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities confirmed that Bolton Council’s applications to the second round of the flagship Levelling-Up Fund have been rejected.

This latest setback comes after a previous failed attempt to apply to the first round of funding in 2021, where the Council missed the deadline because of administrative issues with the application portal.  That application focused on the Crompton Place development.

The Council made three separate bids: one to redevelop the town centre, in an attempt to attract businesses, and an active travel network, designed specifically to support lower income areas.  Both schemes were supported by Ms. Qureshi.  Another scheme to alleviate traffic at De Hallivand Way was backed by other groups, and was also unsuccessful.

Ms. Qureshi’s constituency, Bolton South East, which is the 38th most deprived* in the United Kingdom, has a higher unemployment claimant rate than both the regional and national averages, and almost 40% of children live in poverty.

In contrast, the Prime Minister’s constituency of Richmond (Yorks) received £19 million from the Levelling-Up Fund, despite being the 450th most deprived constituency.  The Prime Minister came under criticism last year for stating that he “managed to start changing the funding formulas to ensure that “areas like this [Tunbridge Wells, Kent] are getting the funding they deserve.”

Reacting to the news, Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East said:

“The outcome of Bolton Council’s Levelling-Up fund bid is beyond disappointing.  I supported the town centre redevelopment plan, which would have given a new lease of life to our local community, attracted new, independent businesses, and given us something to be proud about once again.  Sadly, this bid was rejected.”

“Our town centre can be a place which thrives once again, but it needs the Government to support it.  We need a fairer business tax system which levels the playing field between online and bricks and mortar businesses, better public transport, and real investment, which the next Labour Government will deliver”

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