Burnley is now set to receive £3,488,102 in funding from Government, as part of the £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund, following successful lobbying by local MP Antony Higginbotham. The Fund is a key part of the Government's levelling up mission, and follows the UK's exit from the European Union where funding has been moved from Brussels to a local level.
Commenting Antony said:
I've been banking the drum for our area in Parliament since day one. And part of that is about bringing investment into Burnley, Padiham and all of our surrounding villages so we can spur on the private sector and our local economy.
Following the UK's exit from the EU we have a huge opportunity to take funding that was sent to Brussels and make decisions locally about our priorities - that's what taking back control is all about.
This extra funding of more than £3.4 million is part of that, and will give our borough the ability to continue on the mission to level up at a time when it is most needed - continuing with regeneration in places like Padiham, investing in skills and creating the conditions for growth. It is also on top of £5.9 million that has been provided to Lancashire overall.
The fund will give local authorities the ability regenerate high streets, fight anti-social behaviour and/or provide free tutoring, digital training and flexible courses to help adults with low-level maths skills get back into work.
Commenting, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:
We have taken back control of our money from the EU and we are empowering local communities to deliver on their priorities, rather than unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to unleash the creativity and talent of communities that have for too long been overlooked and undervalued.
By targeting this funding at areas of the country that need it the most, we will help spread opportunity and level up in every part of the United Kingdom.
