Birmingham denied all five 'Level Up Fund' Bids to aid Economic Development

The Conservative Government have denied all five of Birmingham's Level Up Fund requests, leaving economic imbalance and equality to disrupt lives.

Credit- Charlie Laughton-Peake

The Level Up Fund is an opportunity by the Government for cities across the UK to have a share of £2.1 billion pounds.

The awarded money will go towards projects to increase employment and economic development, which has included better 'transport links', 'community regeneration' and 'restoration of heritage sites'.

A total of £155.4 million was given to other Level Up bids in the West Midlands, ranging from new housing to schemes to encourage public transport, from Walsall to Hereford.

There were 111 bids across the UK that were successful; the 'Second City' received nothing.

New data from the Office for National Statistics shows the West Midlands has the second highest unemployment rate in the whole of the UK, sitting at 4.3%. Birmingham however, has an 11.4% unemployment rate, which sits very highly in comparison to the UK's 3.7% average, making many local authority leaders question Conservative intentions.

Preet Kaur Gill MP, Edgbaston, has said: "In my constituency of Edgbaston, this money would have made a real difference to people's lives.

"The Government has let all of these people down."

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council has described not gaining any funding as "a kick in the teeth" for the city, and noted that the Prime Minister's constituency of Richmond, "one of the most affluent areas" received funding of almost £20 million.

Druids Heath is amongst one of the most deprived areas of Birmingham and is in need for funding, having no investment in the area since it was built.

Cllr Julien Pritchard, Brandwood and Druids Heath (GRE), said: "To be honest, I'm furious that the Government is refusing to give much needed investment to Druids Heath. Once again we're being ignored.

"As well as new and improved community facilities and infrastructure, Druids Heath needs improved housing that is decent to live in and the most energy efficient possible.

"I will keep doing all I can to get Druids Heath the investment it deserves."

Hayley Dunford, 31, Druids Heath resident, said: "As a homeowner for seven years, the funding would have been very important to me as we all know Druids Heath has a reputation.

"Recently I've noticed a lot more cars being robbed and damage to properties due to poor street watch.

"Our parks aren't fully functional or too dangerous to take your children to."