Title

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Levelling up funding is 'poorly targeted' report warns

There are 6.5 million people living in deprived local authorities that will not be helped by the Government's levelling up funding, new analysis has revealed.

There are 6.5 million people living in deprived local authorities that will not be helped by the Government's levelling up funding, new analysis has revealed.

The research, published by Centre for Progressive Policy, said these areas will be excluded from the Levelling up Fund, Towns Fund and Community Renewal Fund.

It also shows the Government's key policies for economic recovery will benefit London over the rest of the UK.

Government support for London is set to be £7bn higher than the North East and North West combined, argues CPP. It also said London is likely to receive the biggest tax break per head.

Ben Franklin, head of research at CPP, said: 'Given this outlook, we can only assume that Government has either failed to grasp the nature, scale and urgency of inclusive recovery or has given up on its own levelling up agenda.

'The Government must urgently change tack to ensure that local communities with the greatest need are sufficiently funded to deliver vital services. Focusing on rebooting locally led industrial policies which can create good, well paid jobs in traditionally left behind places would deliver the government's levelling up agenda more effectively than these ill thought through tax break schemes.'

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Local government reorganisation in Essex 'over'

By Paul Marinko | 25 February 2026

Uncertainty surrounds local government reorganisation (LGR) in Essex, with one leader branding the process ‘over’ and little news on how ministers will help ...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

A pivotal moment for mayors

By Ann McGauran | 25 February 2026

The recent devolution Bill and the Government’s consultation on visitor levies are seen as positive steps on the road to fiscal devolution, but does it go fa...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Councils need consistency and clarity from government

By Jonathan Carr-West | 25 February 2026

As councils grapple with a host of reforms announced by central government, Jonathan Carr-West pleas for less unpredictability and more consistency of purpose.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Neighbourhood watch

By David Blackman | 20 February 2026

With the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund expiring imminently, the launch of the Pride in Place programme has placed a renewed focus on neighbourhood regeneration...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman