£20m in regeneration funding for Newtown pledged

The Conservatives have announced a plan to give £20 million to Newtown as part of their plan to regenerate towns.

Newtown has been selected for the programme to help regeneate the local economy. But it will dependent on the Conservatives returning to power after the election.

In a statement, Craig Williams said:

"The ‘Long Term Plan for Towns’ involves Boards being established which will bring together community leaders, business people, local government and the local MP, to develop a plan for their town. This policy gives more power to local decision makers to determine how best to spend the funding and unleash their town’s potential."

"This is a fantastic announcement for the people of Newtown and the wider county. We all take huge pride in the places we call home, but many of our town centres feel neglected and left behind.

"I am delighted that the UK Conservative Government are making Newtown a priority.

"I look forward to working alongside Open Newtown, local businesses and local residents in delivering this town deal.

"A key part of this funding will go towards improving transport, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and enhancing the town centre, repurposing empty shops and revitalising market days.”

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister said:

“We the Conservatives have a plan for towns because we know they are the beating heart of our country."

"This bold action will transform 30 more towns – reviving their high streets, growing their local economies and making people feel proud of the place they call home.”

Labour said the funding ring-fenced by the Tories to pay for the investment is the same funding that is being used for its pensions announcement and National Service plan.

Angela Rayner, Labour deputy leader and shadow levelling up secretary, responding to the plan said:

"Just days ago, Rishi Sunak raided levelling up cash to fund his teenage Dad's Army."

"Today he's back making yet another reckless unfunded spending commitment, sure to be broken as quickly as it was made."

"Everywhere you look, communities up and down the country are feeling the impact of 14 years of Tory decline: boarded-up shops, soaring bills and a widening wage gap with London."

"Labour will turn the page on the Conservatives' chaos by boosting growth in every corner of the country, putting more money in people’s pockets, and giving them control over what matters."

Lib Dem levelling-up spokeswoman Helen Morgan said the Tories's announcement "isn't fooling anyone". She said:

"Their 'levelling-up' agenda over the last few years has pitted councils against each other and left them begging for scraps, and rural areas often failed to benefit at all."

"We need to see proper funding for local councils alongside more powers for them to make investments they believe in."

"Liberal Democrats will put our communities and high streets first by reforming business rates to encourage new businesses to invest in our high streets."

"We would invest in our rural communities properly too, rather than continuing to leave them behind like the Conservatives."