Council is criticised for failing to bid for levelling up money
SANDWELL Council has been accused of a “lack of preparation” after admitting it did not enter round one of the levelling up fund, which sees towns and cities bid for government cash for infrastructure projects.
The winning bids across the country for the first round of the £4.8 billion fund, were published last week alongside Rishi Sunak’s third budget announcement.
Neighbouring Birmingham City Council had successfully applied for funding for projects including renovations to Moseley Road Baths, Dudley Road, and the Birmingham Wheels site in Bordesley.
A Sandwell Council spokesman said: “Sandwell has had the highest funding allocation of £67.5 million from the towns fund programme for 17 schemes across three towns in the borough.
“In light of the work required to ensure this source of funding is secured, Sandwell did not submit any bid for round one of the levelling up fund.
“The government announced in March 2021 that there would be two rounds of levelling up funds and Sandwell has decided to focus on developing the business case bids in round two.”
But Nicola Richards, Conservative MP for West Bromwich East, has accused the Labour-run council of “ignoring” her email listing different projects that may have be successful entries into the levelling up fund.
She also claimed the council “didn’t know what they could spend the money on”.
She said: “The levelling up fund is available for every single constituency in Sandwell, and it will equate to nearly £100 million for some of the most deprived communities in the country; a life-changing amount of money.
“The reason why the borough was not included in this most recent round of funding is simple in that Sandwell didn’t put in any bids in time. At the time, Sandwell Council said they didn’t know what they could spend the money on.
“So, I wrote in April to Cllr Maria Crompton, listing all the opportunities for projects in my constituency, but sadly it was ignored.
“I am obviously disappointed that the council has not been more proactive in applying for the fund, especially once you consider how much it is worth to communities in West Bromwich East.”
Ms Richards suggested there are “tens of projects” the levelling up fund could have been spent on, including regeneration at Scott Arms, West Bromwich town centre, or improved transport links in Friar Park.
“So you’ll understand how deeply frustrated I am at Sandwell for not being more proactive on this. And I’m sure my colleagues will have equally strong feelings,” she added.
Ms Richards says she will be making her case to Sandwell Council to get a bid secured for the final round of levelling up funds.
She said: “I do hope that they get their act together and ensure bids are submitted in a timely manner to ensure we can benefit from this opportunity.”
The Sandwell Council spokesman said: “We have checked and we have no record of the email from Nicola Richards MP.”
You’ll understand how deeply frustrated I am at Sandwell for not being more proactive Nicola Richards MP