County council leader’s statement on Government Levelling Up White Paper

The Government has today published its Levelling Up White Paper, setting out its commitments to close the prosperity gap between the South East and the rest of the UK.

In response to the publication, Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White said:

“Today’s White Paper announcement sets out Government manifesto commitments up to 2030 to level up the country which we welcome in principle, particularly where it supports and strengthens our work with district and borough colleagues to create more opportunities for our communities, boost our economy and better connect people.

“We will need time to clarify and digest the report contents and how this will impact Staffordshire, including future funding commitments. It does set out a 40 per cent increase in investment in research and development in the Midlands which would enhance growth in our key sector industries, which includes the work of our world-leading businesses and universities.

“We look forward to further detail on the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, town centre regeneration plans and how the £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund will empower us as local leaders.

“While we are not included in the first tranche of county deals, we are confident that our collaborative working with district and borough councils, as set out in the recently launched Staffordshire Leaders Board, will strengthen our case in the future.”