£6 billion to improve high streets

The government has confirmed almost £6 billion over the next 30 years for six fast-tracked devolution areas.

Almost £200 million will be shared each year by the places on the Devolution Priority Programme.

Each area will get their own mayor, who will be able to spend the money on local priorities to boost their area’s economy to create lasting jobs and opportunities.

The money could be spent on increasing housebuilding, including accelerating regional housebuilding programmes and initiatives or bringing more social and affordable homes on the market.

Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will receive £21.7 million per year; Cumbria Combined Authority, £11.1 million per year and Greater Essex Combined County Authority, £41.5 million per year. Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority will get £44.6 million per year; Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority, £37.4 million per year; and Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority: £38 million per year.

All six regions will also receive £3m each as a minimum over the next three financial years, in addition to an initial £1m payment in the coming months, to help with the costs of establishing the new mayoral authorities.  

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: “This money will help transform communities for the better as part of our Plan for Change.

“It will help new mayors achieve what their areas’ want most, from building more of the 1.5 million homes this government has promised to improving the green spaces that locals love - this is how devolution improves lives across the country.”