Residents urged to have their say in new Town Deals

Residents in 100 places across England are being urged to help shape town deals in the new #MyTown campaign.

The campaign was launched by communities and local government secretary Robert Jenrick to provide a platform for communities to share their proud history and ambitions for their town.

People will be able to share their views on a new dedicated Facebook page and also through twitter using the hashtag #MyTown.

The campaign ultimately aims to give people a say in how a new generation of town deal will work, each worth up to £25m which the government claims will ‘transform’ the place that they live in.

The deals will be funded through the £3.6bn Towns Fund, which the government announced in July.

As part of the Spending Round, the Chancellor also announced that £241m of the fund is available to support different towns from 2020 to 2021.

Mr Jenrick said: ‘Too many towns feel neglected by Westminster politicians. This government is committed to levelling up all parts of the country.’

‘That is why we’re investing £25m in 100 towns across the country and I want local people to determine how that money is spent.’

Minister for Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Jake Berry added: ‘We are going further than any government before to level up every corner of our country.’

‘With our new £3.6bn Towns Fund, we’re ramping up efforts to give local people and money to decide what is best for their town.’

‘Wherever you live, getting involved in the My Town campaign is your chance to decide where this major investment should go.’

Visit Facebook.com/mytowncampaign to find out more about the campaign.

Responding to NewStart on Twitter, Ares Kalandides, Professor of Place Management, Manchester Metropolitan University said: ‘What a sorry excuse for fake citizen participation. If you want an example of how not to do it, here it is.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay