AN MP has set out the case to ministers for Bingley to be awarded cash as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Agenda – as he reiterated his plea for Bradford Council to submit a bid for the area.
Government has prioritised Bradford as an area needing investment, but councils must submit bids on how cash would be spent before money is awarded.
Shipley MP Philip Davies fears Bingley will miss out if a comprehensive bid is not ready to go when the next round of funding opens.
Speaking in Parliament Mr Davies said: “I have been urging Bradford Council to prepare a levelling-up fund bid for the town of Bingley in my constituency which I very much hope will be looked on favourably by the Government.
“When will the deadline for the next round of bids for the levelling-up fund be, and what will the criteria be?”
Levelling Up Minister Neil O'Brien confirmed the next round of funding will open in the Spring and the criterion will be set out shortly.
Mr Davies added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Bingley to get the investment it needs and I want to see a commitment from the Council it will be submitting a bid for Bingley. Money from this fund could see investment in things such as the swimming pool and town centre and make a real difference to Bingley. Government has already made it clear the district is a priority area, but the Council need to ensure its bid is ready to go as soon as the next round of funding opens if we are to stand the best chance securing investment in our area.”
The £4.8 billion Fund will be spent across the country for town centre and high street regeneration, along with local transport projects and cultural and heritage assets.