Local leaders have taken Stoke-on-Trent's future needs and challenges to the heart of Government, at a meeting in Downing Street.
The round table meeting, hosted at Number 10, was chaired by Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove, and was called to discuss the levelling up of opportunities in the city, including economic development and regeneration, transport, culture and heritage in Stoke-on-Trent.
Stoke-on-Trent has received significant investment from the Government – £56 million in Levelling Up Funds; £40m through the Transforming Cities Fund; £31m from the Bus Service Improvement Fund; a Priority Education Investment Area; 500 Home Office jobs; the Family Hubs programme. The meeting brought together key Government Ministers alongside partners including Network Rail, National Highways, Homes England, the Arts Council, HLF and Historic England, all who are playing a vital role in delivering on the levelling up of our city.
Commenting after the meeting, Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Brereton said:
“It’s great to have secured dedicated time with senior Ministers in the heart of Government to discuss the needs and next steps for Stoke-on-Trent. It proves that my hard work, and that of fellow colleagues, in bringing our city to national attention is working.
“Stoke-on-Trent has reaped the benefits of a Government, a council, and a team of local MPs who are dedicated to securing the investment our city needs. These things do not happen by accident and that is why it is essential that we ensure Stoke-on-Trent continues to be at the centre of Government thinking and that we deliver on the levelling up opportunities for everyone.”
Councillor Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“The significance of a roundtable in Downing Street focused entirely on Stoke-on-Trent sends a strong message about how far we’ve come as a city in recent years. We’ve secured the largest single Levelling Up Fund award for any area in the country, and over £100m of funding for community safety, transport improvements and education, amongst others. We’re seeing private investment finally start to flow into the city, and we’re determined to continue delivering for residents after years of dither and delay. Let’s not let Labour throw it all away in May.”
