Geoffrey has welcomed the Government's £4.8bn Levelling up Fund, which will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.
The Fund is designed to help local areas select genuine local priorities for investment and is aimed primarily at ex-industrial areas, deprived towns, and coastal communities. The Government has identified Torridge as one such area most in need of investment, in further details published alongside the Budget.
Local authorities have been encouraged to work with their MP and other local stakeholders to put forward bids that require up to £20m of funding. The Fund's first round is focused on transport projects that will make a genuine difference to local areas, town centre and high street regeneration, and support for maintaining and expanding cultural and heritage assets.
Geoffrey said:
"I have long campaigned for greater understanding in Westminster that our rural and coastal market towns are in urgent need of regeneration.
It is hugely encouraging to see this recognised by the Government, and I look forward to working with both Torridge District Council and West Devon Borough Council to develop and take forward bids that will bring much-needed investment to our area.
I was elected on a manifesto that promised to "level up" communities across the United Kingdom, and this Fund is a welcome step towards meeting that commitment."