Political Opinion: Let me know how you want to see the cash spent
Mansfield is one of many towns across the country which was left behind by the last Conservative government. Residents felt the impacts of cuts and under funding, mismanagement and fourteen years of failure.
The country is united in its desire for economic growth, which the Labour government is committed to delivering. However, any economic growth must be achieved for the benefit of the whole country especially, seemingly forgotten communities like Mansfield. This was a key issue for me at the last General Election, and I stood on a platform promising to work towards a stable and growing economy with good-quality jobs for constituents.
With these commitments in mind, it was excellent to see earlier this year that Mansfield was selected to be among the 75 areas which will benefit from the government’s £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. I have campaigned, along with many other residents, for more funds to unleash Mansfield’s potential, regenerate our town and create a community which residents can be even more proud of. Therefore, it was wonderful that the Labour government has recognised the need for this funding, and I am sure that constituents will share my eagerness to see the positive impact this will have on Mansfield.
Plan for Neighbourhoods forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change which strives to grow the economy, make streets safer and create opportunities for all. This programme will entitle Mansfield to up to £20 million over a 10-year period. This funding is not intended to simply be a quick fix to a complex problem, instead it is an effort to drive serious long-term growth into Mansfield. It can be spent on projects with goals such as getting more people into work, supporting local businesses and improving our town centre and neighbourhoods.
The government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods will only be effective if local people, not Whitehall, are making decisions about how this funding is spent. This is why the government has tasked Mansfield Place Board and Mansfield District Council with creating both an ‘Investment Plan' and a ‘Regeneration Plan’ outlining how they will use these funds. The government has also made it clear that ensuring community engagement and leadership is another vital part of what will make the Plan for Neighbourhoods work.
That is why I will be hosting a coffee evening on Friday, December 5th in Mansfield to hear your thoughts on how you want this money to be spent. If you want to share your thoughts on this extraordinary opportunity for Mansfield, please do not hesitate to attend. I look forward to seeing many constituents there and will ensure that your thoughts are passed on to those responsible for delivering this programme.
Please contact me to register to attend. If you cannot make the evening event or would like to bring another issue to my attention, please email me at: [email protected] or call: 01623 325057.