Greater Manchester Confirmed to Receive £100m Levelling Up Funding

Confirmation has been given that councils across Greater Manchester will still receive a £100m financial injection, described as “desperately needed,” which was initially committed by the previous administration. Following Labour’s general election victory this summer, there had been apprehension that this funding, part of the Conservatives’ levelling up strategy, might be withdrawn. However, government ministers have now affirmed that the funds, designated for initiatives in locations such as Bolton, Wythenshawe, Leigh, and Denton, remain available. Jo Platt, the Labour MP for Leigh, expressed that she was “ecstatic” upon learning that the “much-needed investment” would proceed. Ms. Platt was among three Wigan MPs, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who addressed a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner requesting the release of £6m in levelling up funding allocated for council projects within the town. Furthermore, approximately £11m was pledged in February for the revitalization of town centres in Leigh and Ashton-in-Makerfield. Prior to last week’s Budget, Ms. Platt had indicated that uncertainty surrounded the availability of these funds. She stated that securing financial support for the town had “taken an awful long time” and involved “repeated bids for help.” She added that this would provide “much needed investment for our great towns.” Specific projects in Bolton, Wythenshawe, Leigh, and Denton are each slated to receive up to £20m. Additionally, funding will be provided for projects located in Farnworth, Chadderton, and Heywood.