Prime Minister David Cameron and prospective Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling have today jointly announced additional funding which will support businesses and infrastructure – helping to create jobs and support businesses.
Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the LEP for Cannock Chase and the local area, has been allocated an additional £15.4million. This brings Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire’s total allocation of Growth Deal funding to £97.7million.
New investment in projects such as the improvements to Rugeley town centre will provide further support for local businesses. By devolving power and decisions from Whitehall, we are allowing the people of Cannock Chase to be in the driving seat as the local economy powers ahead.
Multi-million pound regeneration of Rugeley will follow major flood defence work announced today as part of the Government’s Growth Deal.
This flood defence scheme will see more than will see more than 100 existing homes and business premises protected by the construction of a 370-metre long embankment along Western Springs Road. It will also mean business, leisure and housing developments can take place in areas previously at risk of flooding.
The £1.29 million of Local Growth Deal funding will secure the creation of new jobs in Rugeley and the building of new homes in coming years, as well as other town centre and transport improvements.
Growth Deals bring together government funding for investment in infrastructure, housing, and other projects and put it in a single pot, which is placed in the hands of local authorities and businesses to invest – because they are best placed to know how to deliver local jobs and growth.
As part of its long-term plan to build a stronger economy, across the country the Government has announced a further £1 billion of funding for Growth Deals, which comes in addition to £6 billion from the Local Growth fund announced in July last year.
David Cameron said: "Giving local communities the power and the money to unlock growth and development and make the spending decisions that work for them is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain and ensure a recovery for all.
"Local Conservatives such as Amanda Milling, who is a tireless campaigner for Cannock Chase, will welcome these projects, which will make an important difference to the area.
"That's what Growth Deals are all about, backing local people and investing in the infrastructure, housing and skills that will drive forward local economies, create more jobs and opportunities for hardworking people and supercharge all parts of our country."
Amanda commented: "This £15.4million of extra funding is fantastic news for local people in Cannock Chase.
"Crucially, decisions on how this money is spent are being made by local people who are best placed to ensure it makes a real difference. Projects like the investment in improvements to Rugeley will help bring growth and prosperity to our area.
"This Growth Deal is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a better future for the hardworking people of Cannock Chase. Its funding will help local businesses create the jobs we need so more hardworking families can have the security of a regular pay packet, and will help equip our young people with the skills they need to get on in life."