Michael Gove announces £1 billion towns fund to support Brexit Britain

Keeping faith and investing in local communities

Michael Gove, accompanied by PM Rishi Sunak, has announced a £1 billion towns fund aimed at revitalizing 55 towns across the UK. Each town will receive £20 million to improve local high streets and support community projects. In an attempt to secure votes from the Red Wall, Gove emphasized that these towns had been "condescended" and "patronized" by the Labour Party for years. He promised that the Conservative Party would prioritize these areas and address their needs.

Breathing new life into high streets and cracking down on anti-social behavior

The funding aims to bring about a "renaissance" in high streets, which have struggled with empty shops and lack of investment. Gove stated that the aim of the fund is to support these communities that have been overlooked and undervalued, ensuring that they receive the attention and financial resources they deserve. The funding will also be used to combat anti-social behavior and promote safer neighborhoods.

Empowering local communities

Towns will have the autonomy to decide how to best allocate the funding, allowing local people to have a direct say in how their town should be improved. The objective is to leverage private investment using this fund, ultimately attracting more economic growth to these areas. The ambition is to reverse the neglect and lack of opportunity that has affected many towns and enable them to thrive once again.

A new approach to support towns

Championing the significance of towns, Chancellor Rishi Sunak stressed that they are where most people live and work. He acknowledged that politicians have historically neglected towns in favor of cities, resulting in half-empty high streets and declining prosperity. The Long-Term Plan for Towns aims to change this by putting funding directly into the hands of local communities, empowering them to invest in projects that align with their priorities. This approach is part of the government's commitment to leveling up and ensuring that all communities have equal opportunities for growth and prosperity.