Government to publish new Midlands Engine strategy

The Government is committed to “driving growth and prosperity” across the UK regions, Chancellor Philip Hammond said during his Budget speech this afternoon – has promised to publish a refreshed strategy for Midlands devolution next year.

Hammond said that the government will provide £70m for the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford on Soar, which will care for civilians to aid their recovery from debilitating injury and return to the world of work.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands Combined Authority will receive up to £20m, subject to approval of a satisfactory business case, to create the UK Mobility Data Institute, a research centre to collect, process and analyse transport data generated by new mobility technologies.

In Coventry, the government will invest £8.5m in the city when it hosts the UK City of Culture in 2021. The funding will support Belgrade Theatre to refurbish the auditorium and establish a new creative talent hub. It will also invest in Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter, including the refurbishment of historic venues, the creation of additional exhibition space and a centre for music education and concerts.

The Chancellor also said the government will publish a refreshed Midlands Engine Strategy next year.

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