Worcester City Council welcomes the opportunity to consult with the Government over funding for Levelling Up Culture projects.
As part of last week’s Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves the Government announced its intention to withdraw funding for projects allocated by the previous Government in the Spring – ahead of the General Election.
Worcester was due to benefit from £5 million which was to be split between several projects, all of which would have boosted culture in the city.
A statement published on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) website reads: “Given the need to make savings, the Government has announced that it is minded to withdraw funding from the Levelling Up Culture Projects and Capital Regeneration Projects announced at Spring Budget 2024, but will consult with these places before making final decisions.”
The City Council welcomes a six-week consultation period which allows the local authority to work with its partners and make a case for the funding.
Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council said: “Given the current economic climate we welcome the opportunity to consult with the Government.
“We recognise that the Government is in a very difficult financial position, but these projects would provide a real economic benefit to Worcester.
“We will be working positively with our partners to make a case for each of the projects.
“Worcester has a good track record of delivering projects, we will be highlighting this during the consultation.
“We are in close dialogue with our Member of Parliament, Tom Collins, who is talking to Government Ministers.”
Worcester City Council and its partners are preparing a consultation response to submit to the Government.
