'Trailblazer' Spending Review fund towns in the dark
Local authorities involved in regeneration schemes announced during the government's Spending Review say they are still waiting for information about what the projects might actually involve.On Wednesday, the government said 25 "trailblazing neighbourhoods" would each receive up to £20m over the next decade as part of "community-led" renewal efforts.These include Walker North in Newcastle, Barrow Central in Cumbria, Thorntree in Middlesbrough and Central Stockton and Portrack.The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the money would "boost growth" and "regenerate our communities".
The MHCLG said it "will support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion".When asked how exactly the money would be spent to achieve this, or how it had chosen the locations to give the money to, the department did not comment. It is understood the money could be spent on various local projects such as youth clubs and councils should receive funding from April 2026. Newcastle City Council said it was still waiting for more information about the scheme. Westmorland and Furness Council said any additional money was "welcomed"."We are looking forward to finding out more about the trailblazer neighbourhoods plans for Barrow Central," a spokesperson said.Stockton Borough Council said that while it was still waiting for more information about the scheme, it believed the funds would support its ambition to accelerate plans to improve Stockton town centre. "We will now work with local partners and communities to develop exciting proposals for the trailblazer," a spokesperson said. Middlesbrough Council declined to comment.
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