Hartlepool Council Leader ‘hugely disappointed” Levelling Up bid is overlooked

Published Thursday, 28th October 2021

The Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council says he’s “hugely disappointed” the Council’s £20 million bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund has been unsuccessful.

The Council’s bid focussed on three projects forming part of the ongoing regeneration of Hartlepool.

Councillor Shane Moore says: “The Government has pledged to address inequality and 'level up', so I’m hugely disappointed much more affluent areas like Yarm and Eaglescliffe have been awarded funding.

“It’s also worth highlighting that we were encouraged to apply at this stage and not wait for the second round of applications as was our original intention.

“One of the central themes of the Levelling Up Fund criteria was around town centre regeneration and our bid was closely aligned to this.

“I will now be writing to Government to understand why Hartlepool – a Borough with high deprivation levels – has been overlooked for Levelling Up funding and why other areas have been deemed more deserving.

“We will refine our bid once we have received Government feedback and resubmit in spring 2022.”