Leader criticises Levelling Up ‘mixed messages and lack of information’

Wakefield Council’s leader and cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth say they want more Government action on Levelling Up.

It comes after Wakefield Council’s three bids were unsuccessful in the last round of Levelling Up funding unveiled in January 2023.

The council said this left key parts of its regeneration plans unfunded and warns Government help is central to securing further investment into the district.

The senior councillors have written to Secretary of State Michael Gove MP.

They are urging him to set out if there will be a further round of Levelling up Funding for Wakefield and when it will happen.

And they want an end to the “costly and time-consuming process” of councils competing against each other for investment. They also want an explanation of how Wakefield benefits from being selected as a “Levelling Up Partner”.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Investment into our communities is essential as part of our aspirations to spread opportunity to every part of our district.

“We have huge ambitions that will transform the district for residents and businesses. But without the funding we cannot drive our plans forward, and that’s why the mixed messages and lack of information coming from Government is so damaging.

“We need clarity on if, and when, future funding will be made available. And if it is, there needs to be a fairer process in place, based on need, than we’ve seen before. No more expectation that local areas should compete against each other for limited funds.”

In March, Wakefield was confirmed as one of 20 Levelling Up Partnership areas. The council says it is calling on the Government to see “tangible benefits” from this partnership.

Cllr Michael Graham, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, added: “We want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to great facilities and to live in a community they can continue to be proud of.

“But we now have huge concerns that our selection as a levelling up partner may not actually lead to anything material for Wakefield.

“The programme has been slow to take shape and to be properly defined. And unfortunately, at the moment it seems to be yet another example of the Government not delivering for our district.

“I’d urge the Government to clarify what funding we will get as part of our Levelling Up Partnership, to help us move forward with the ambitious and exciting plans that we have.”