Finance boss disputes MP’s high street cash figures
ACOUNCIL finance chief has moved to clarify ‘ misinformation’ over government grant funding, accusing MP Jake Berry of ‘electioneering’ on the issue.
Coun Jackie Oakes, Rossendale council’s cabinet member for economic development, released a statement after Bacup was awarded High Street Heritage Action Zone funding.
Last week we reported that the council’s £ 1.1m heritage bid to revive 29 of the town’s buildings had succeeded, however high streets minister Mr Berry said the town would receive ‘more than £ 3m’.
In a Facebook post following the announcement, Mr Berry said the money could go towards restoration and re- use of the Regal Cinema, renovating historic buildings and supporting businesses, improvements to the town centre, parking and signage, and youth facilities, training and support for apprentices, adding: “And yes - some of it could go towards the Coronation fountain!”
Coun Oakes said: “The headlines, clearly electioneering, are good news but the devil is in the detail. There’s been a lot of misinformation and political mischief making on Facebook and elsewhere.
“Our MP says it’s £3m. We haven’t got a detailed written offer but our understanding is that it’s £ 1.1m and a firm offer will be based on a detailed submission from officers after consultation with landlords and businesses in Bacup. If successful the project can be expected to start in April 2020.
“It’s frustrating that we don’t have detailed offers because we can’t move forward as quickly as we’d like.”
Historic England say they are unable to give specific figures for each area as they are currently working on delivery plans with the councils. They say they anticipate they will be announcing how much each area will receive in January 2020.
Coun Oakes clarified that the town has only - at this stage - been awarded Stage 1 funding from the separate Future High Street Fund.
She said: “We still don’t have a detailed written offer, but we’re assuming it will be £ 150k - because our MP has said so. That money is to deliver a business case – i. e to pay consultants and officers. There’ll be no tangible benefit for residents to see in Bacup and until we have the written offer we don’t know what level of evidence and reports will be required to give us the best possible chance of receiving a Future High Street grant. If the highest level of evidence is required then it will cost up to £ 450k to get the reports.”
She added: “I’m rather surprised that our MP has gone public with half a story, but there it is. The submission will be made April 30, 2020 with the result known later in 2020.”
In a reply to Coun Oakes, Mr Berry said the much-needed heritage funding, which he said would rise to £ 3m taking into account private sector investment, was “brilliant news for everyone in Bacup”.
He added: “This money from the Government’s High Street and Heritage Action Zone funds will go a long way to bring even more improvements for the town centre. I look forward to working with businesses, residents and indeed local councillors, of all parties, to make sure that this money can make as big a difference as possible for everyone in Bacup.”