This week in Buckinghamshire we've launched Opportunity Bucks- our local response to Levelling Up. Outcomes for people who live in Buckinghamshire are generally above the national average – so you might ask why do we need a ‘Levelling Up' programme here? 

Our area isn't immune to the significant challenges facing the country; we are also experiencing disparity and many residents don't have equal access to the opportunities Buckinghamshire offers.  When faced with hardship in an area of relative affluence it can be even tougher.  House prices, rents and other costs are pushed higher and we have a particular challenge with the scarcity of truly affordable housing here in Buckinghamshire. We were delighted to welcome former Aylesbury MP Sir David Lidington to our launch this week (7 Dec) and I agree with his observation that in truth, here in Buckinghamshire, average figures for prosperity and well-being can, in fact, conceal real difficulties amongst families and in particular areas. Frankly, it also makes it harder to make the case for funding; a situation shared amongst many parts of the South-East facing similar challenges.