By Leeds West and Pudsey MP Rachel Reeves
Since I was elected as the MP for Leeds West in 2010, I have worked alongside the community to try and secure investment to make Armley and New Wortley a better place to live and work.
But all too often we have been held back by a lack of investment from successive Conservative governments who didn’t understand the challenges facing disadvantaged communities like this one.
I am delighted that Armley and New Wortley will get an extra £2 million a year for the next ten years to spend on local projects as part of our Pride of Place programme.
This new fund will give local communities the space to think creatively and boldly about what they want to spend the money on.
The Armley and New Wortley area is one of over 280 areas across the UK which will be part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund, which the government hopes will pioneer a new way of deciding how to spend public money on local projects.
This is a once in a generation opportunity: £20 million to be spent over ten years, with local people deciding how that money is spent.
The best thing about this fund is that it is up to you to decide how it should be spent. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with local residents over the past few months about how this money should be used to make the biggest impact for you, your family, and your neighbours and there is no shortage of great ideas.
Thank you to the hundreds of people who’ve already shared their views in my survey. There’s still time to share your views with me here.
I am really pleased that Reverend Phil Arnold has agreed to chair the Neighbourhood Board. Many of you will know Phil as the Vicar of Christ Church Upper Armley and an active community leader and local resident.
Phil and I have also now recruited a passionate group of residents, local representatives and community and business leaders to our Neighbourhood Board which will oversee how the funds are directed.
There will also be many more opportunities for people who live or work in Armley and New Wortley to share their ideas and priorities in the months ahead.
This is the best chance we’ve had to improve Armley and New Wortley in decades. I can’t wait to see the improvements that will come about because of this transformative fund and I’m proud to be part of the Labour Government which is delivering this change.