The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Sajid Javid)
Further to my statements of 23 January 2017 and 2 February 2017 regarding the growth deal awards to the local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) in the northern powerhouse, east of England, south-east and London, I am today announcing the six individual awards to LEPs in the south-west of England. LEP Funding Award (£m) Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 18.03 Dorset 19.46 Gloucestershire 29.13 Heart of the South West 43.57 Swindon and Wiltshire 28.09 West of England 52.80
Between them they will benefit from £191 million of Government support from the local growth fund, on top of the £780 million committed in previous growth deals.
We have now awarded over £9 billion to LEPs from the local growth fund. With the home building fund and local transport majors launched in 2016 we have fulfilled our manifesto commitment to a £12 billion local growth fund. It is a crucial part of the Government’s agenda to drive growth and devolve power to local areas, with decisions being made by those who know their local area best, and supporting the Government’s commitment to build an economy that works for everyone.
This was the most competitive round yet, and awards were made based on a bidding round that took place last year.
The expanded deals will provide LEPs in the south-west with the power and funding to support local businesses, unlock housing where it is most needed and develop vital infrastructure to allow places to thrive. The funding will also be used to create jobs, equip a new generation with the skills they need for the future and attract billions of pounds of private sector investment. This investment is Government stepping up, not stepping back, building on our strengths to boost national productivity and growth.
I will announce the awards in the midlands shortly.
[HCWS491]