On Friday afternoon, the government announced that it has opened up the second round of the Levelling Up Fund for applications, and it will remain open until midday on the 2nd August.
This will allow councils around the country to bid for a share of the £4.8 billion that is available for them to improve the standard of living, reduce the levels of regional inequality, and provide improved opportunities for everyone. Town centres, transport links, cultural sites, and improved infrastructure have all been key focuses for those bidding for the funding so far, helping to “give people pride in the places where the live.”
Newly appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Greg Clark, said:
“I am determined to press full steam ahead with levelling up communities across the United Kingdom.
The Levelling Up Fund can provide the investment needed to make a project that communities have been dreaming of for years a reality.
So, I’m delighted to open applications for the second round of the Levelling Up Fund and I’m looking forward to seeing proposals that will make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
There has been a change to the rules of the application process, with MP’s now being able to lend their support to two proposals within their constituency, as opposed to only one, considering that many constituencies cover more than one council area.
This round will look to build on the progress made from the first round, where £1.7 billion was awarded to 105 projects around the country. Successful projects include £17.7 million being awarded for the restoration of a 900 year-old castle in Pembrokeshire, Omagh in Northern Ireland received £4.1 million to redevelop its vacant health centre into a digital hub, creating 250 jobs in the process, £19.9 million was awarded to West Dunbartonshire for the regeneration of the Artizan Shopping Centre, and in England, Bishop Auckland were awarded £20 million to reopen the UK’s oldest suspension bridge and improve transport link for residents.
