By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Gedling council say they’re looking at other options to regenerate local town centres after their bid to the Government’s Levelling Up fund was rejected again.
The authority had complained at the previous lack of Government funding, and was unsuccessful in the latest round on Monday (November 20).
A total of £50m in investment plans in Arnold and Carlton will now need to be reviewed and other sources of funding found.
The government awarded £1.1b to 55 Levelling Up projects across the country, including nearly £20m for both Bulwell and Ollerton in Nottinghamshire.
Gedling Borough Leader Councillor John Clarke MBE (Lab) said the authority was “sick and tired” of being left high and dry.
“We are incredibly disappointed and dismayed that the government has not awarded us a single penny for round 3 of the Levelling Up programme and has instead allocated money without new applications,” he said.
“We took the feedback from round 2 on board and have invested in a comprehensive strategic review, purchased empty units on the high street, and announced a new masterplan, all aimed at improving our chances in the next round of bids, yet they have been completely ignored.
“We are sick and tired of this government moving the goalposts and leaving councils like us with absolutely nothing, time and time again. We have done everything they have asked and yet we have not received a single penny of Levelling Up funding.”
Deputy Leader Councillor Michael Payne (Lab) said: “The Government has now had seven different major ‘Levelling Up’ funds, many of which there has been no chance to properly bid for. Gedling’s communities have not received a single penny from the billions of pounds handed out.
“There is no excuse from the government for giving Gedling zero whilst giving our neighbours in Ashfield District, Bassetlaw District, Broxtowe Borough, Mansfield District, Newark & Sherwood District and Nottingham City tens of millions of pounds each.”
Gedling Borough Council attacked the bidding process in a heated meeting last week, comparing it to “The Hunger Games” as councils were forced to compete against each other.
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has been contacted for comment.
