MP wants government funding assurances

Torquay was earmarked for money before the election

Torbay MP Steve Darling has asked for assurances from the new Labour government that it remains committed to funding major projects in the bay.

The Liberal Democrat MP snatched the seat from Conservative Kevin Foster at the general election and says he wants to make sure Torquay remains in prime position for government cash.

Town centre regeneration projects in Torquay were earmarked for tens of millions of pounds in investment by the former Conservative government.

Mr Darling has written to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner who is also  secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.

Work on the Long Term Plan For Towns was paused in the run-up to the election, awaiting confirmation from the new government that it would continue.

The plan was announced last October, with Torquay among 55 towns sharing £1.1 billion.

Each was asked to appoint a board of local people to draw up long-term plans, with a £20 million ‘endowment-style fund’ to invest in local projects.

As a result of the delay, Torbay Council didn’t begin consultations with local people, but will start soon as part of a three-year plan.

Mr Darling has asked for confirmation that the funding is still in place so the council can go ahead with the consultation.

He is also seeking assurances that although the phrase ‘levelling up’ will no longer be used by the new government, Torbay remains in the government’s plans for long-term investment.

On top of that, he is asking Ms Rayner to prioritise the Devon and Torbay devolution deal, which comes with £16million to kickstart local projects.

“I would ask that government prioritises the legislation that will see devolution to Devon and Torbay occur,” writes Mr Darling.