UK Government to invest £208m in the North to boost house building. 

The UK government has revealed that the North of England will receive a cash injection of £208m to kick start new housing and regeneration schemes. Northern leaders will also receive new powers to ensure a level playing field across the country.

Levelling up Secretary Michael Gove's announcements

Leveling up Secretary Michael Gove announced at the Convention of the North that this was the most significant transfer of power and resources to the North in living memory. The funding will be distributed to various regional projects, focusing on acquiring brownfield land for new homes and infrastructure. This investment, part of the UK's levelling-up initiative, aims to accelerate house-building and regeneration, create employment, stimulate economic growth and aid the UK's recovery from the pandemic.

How much is UK Levelling Up funding for Blackpool?

£90m will be utilised in Blackpool to construct new homes and upgrade substandard properties unfit for habitation. This initiative is part of a significant regeneration project led by Homes England and Blackpool Town Council. It aims to make hundreds of homes accessible and revitalise disused brownfield land, significantly uplifting the town. Since 2019, Blackpool has received over £100m in levelling up funding. Additionally, investments have been made to facilitate the £300m Blackpool Central Development Scheme.

How much is the UK Levelling Up funding for Sheffield?

In Sheffield, the government is all set to support the city's goal to provide 20,000 new homes with £67m in Brownfield, Infrastructure and land funding from Homes England. This allocation will facilitate the acquisition of brownfield land in two city center locations and create over 1,300 new homes. It will also help develop more than 4,000 square meters of new commercial or community space.

How much is the UK Levelling Up funding for Liverpool?

Liverpool has been allocated £31m to support various regeneration initiatives. This includes abundant funding to construct Grade A office premises and modern laboratory facilities at Paddington Village within the Knowledge Quarter. Support will also be extended to the community asset Greatie Market to create better opportunities for local traders.

Levelling Up 2024 northern focus

At the Convention of the North, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove declared a significant shift in power and resources to the North. He focussed on the empowering of local leaders and communities to shape their futures. Blackburn with Darwen is set to receive a £20m cash injection through a tailored Levelling up Partnership. This initiative, designed to address specific challenges and opportunities in each area, mirrors successful partnerships with other regions.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, citing the town's readiness to embrace the government's Levelling Up efforts. This announcement underscores the government's dedication to leveling up northern towns and cities, giving local leaders the tools to capitalise on upcoming opportunities. It aligns with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's commitment to the region, evidenced by his regional cabinet meeting in East Yorkshire. In addition, the reallocation of £4.7 billion from HS2 funding to the Local Transport Fund will further enhance local connections in the North and Midlands.