Scarborough Set to Receive Nearly £20m in Government Plan for Neighbourhoods

Scarborough is set to receive just under £20 million of funding as part of the Labour government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, has welcomed the news that Scarborough is set to receive just under £20 million of funding as part of the Labour government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods announced yesterday.

Scarborough will receive a £20m share of £1.5 billion of funding being invested in communities to create growth and opportunities across the United Kingdom. 75 towns, including Scarborough, will receive funding and specialist support to breathe new life into communities.

The payment will come in the form of £2 million a year for the next ten years.

The scheme builds on the previous government's pledge of £20m to be delivered through a ten year Long term Plan, which the new Labour government says was an unfunded project. The newly announced funding replaces the previous scheme and is not in addition to it.

Announcing the scheme in the House of Commons, The Under-secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government - Alex Norris MP - said he was pleased that the funding has been found to keep the earlier funding promises.

As part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods, a new Neighbourhood Board will be set up in Scarborough bringing together residents, local businesses, and grassroots campaigners to draw up and implement a new vision for their area

Alex Norris says that the Board will be able to decide how to spend the funding, choosing from options that include rejuvenating highstreets, local parks, youth clubs, training and skills, cultural venues and health services.

Welcoming the announcement, Alison Hume MP said:

"I’m thrilled that £20 million has been earmarked as vital funding for Scarborough, bringing the benefits of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change to our local area and unleashing our enormous potential.

“Labour’s Plan for Neighbourhoods stands in contrast to the Conservatives’ unfunded and failed approach.
Under the Tories, local communities were micro-managed from Whitehall, and forced to spend money on surface-level improvements that didn't deliver long-term change.

“Unlike the Tories’ list of restrictive options for how towns could spend funding, with Labour’s new plan, the policy options that can be considered by Neighbourhood Boards have doubled, and communities are put at the heart of making these changes. “

Labour says that its funding recognises that communities often have the answers to the local problems they face and should be given more control over what they spend their money on. As a result, Labour says its plans mean that communities can choose to invest in a much wider range of options.

Alex Norris said that the "fully-funded plan" marks the latest step in its Plan for Change, which commits to "turbocharging economic growth across the country and breaking down the barriers to opportunity as part of a decade of national renewal".

Alison Hume added:

“Scarborough has been left behind under previous governments but not any more.

“In consultation with their community, our new Neighbourhood Board will be given the freedom to decide how to spend the money, to deliver the priorities of local people.

“The aims of the programme are to build thriving places, stronger communities and empowering people to take back control.

“I am particularly excited by the chance to refresh our existing Town Board, on which I automatically sit as MP, with more community voices speaking up for areas which are currently under-represented.

“Today's announcement means more control in the hands of local people and less micro-management from central government. This is the difference that Labour in government makes, and I look forward to supporting the work of the Neighbourhood Board as we deliver for residents.

“This investment will empower our community to take control of our future, addressing local needs and driving growth. It's a significant step towards revitalising our town and ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we will build a brighter, more prosperous future for Scarborough and the local community."

York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith said:

‘This is fantastic news for Scarborough. The Plan for Neighbourhoods puts the power and funds to fuel regeneration, into the hands of those at the heart of the community.

‘Coastal communities have been left behind for too long, the plan gives more control to local people in determining their priorities, and less micro-management from central government.

‘The long-term strategic approach to revitalising places like Scarborough, ties in with my own efforts to see all our communities considered great places to work and live.

‘I want our communities to feel connected to growth and opportunity, and to feel safe. That’s why we’re working hard to make progress on our plans to deliver sustainable transport links, affordable homes, investment in our high streets and increasing visible policing across our rural, coastal and urban areas.

‘I look forward to working with all our partners on delivering the Plan for Neighbourhoods.’