By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Broxtowe council’s leader says government funding should focus on deprived areas rather than what he describes as ‘Mickey Mouse vanity projects’.
Councillor Milan Radulovic (Lab) wants to see more funding for his ward in Eastwood, which has some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK.
The town has so far missed out on any Towns Deal or Levelling Up funding, while other more affluent parts of the borough have been successful.
‘Levelling Up’ was a key priority for Boris Johnson’s Conservative government after the party won the 2019 general election, saying it would help left-behind areas of the country.
The new Labour administration says it wants to end the need for local authorities to bid against each other, and intends to drive growth in every area.
Cllr Radulovic hopes local MPs will pass his concerns onto MP Angela Rayner, the new Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“If the new government is serious about delivering equality for the people, Eastwood should be at the top of the list for regeneration,” he said.
“Seeing regeneration in other areas leaves us in Eastwood feeling left out, omitted, isolated – yet we have the highest deprivation in Nottinghamshire.
“It’s not right. It’s not fair how it’s been done.
“We hope this government has the desire and determination that funding is given to the communities most in need and not some Mickey Mouse vanity projects, as has happened across the country.
“I will continue to fight until we get the resources and opportunities we need in Eastwood, which includes a new medical centre, new leisure centre, swimming pool and women’s health centre.
“The north of the borough, with our mining heritage, have a history of heart and respiratory problems, diabetes that leads to a reduced lifespan.
“We will be making that plea to the government.”
Parts of Broxtowe are in the 20 per cent most deprived in the UK according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation study, which measures poverty through employment, health, housing, crime and other factors.
Within Broxtowe, Stapleford has received a £21m Towns Fund deal, while Kimberley was granted £16m of Levelling Up cash.
The new government has dropped the ‘Levelling Up’ branding, with the department responsible renamed the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
A spokesperson said: “We will end competitive bidding for pots of money and reset our relationship with local government, so we can harness the potential of places like Broxtowe.
“Work is ongoing to deliver the government’s manifesto commitments to reduce regional inequalities and drive growth in every area of the country.”
