MP frustrated by ‘Levelling Up’ delays

The Wentworth & Dearne MP highlighted the issue with the government website to submit applications for funding which he said was “holding” up attempts to secure windfalls for areas such as Dinnington and Wath.

The online portal through which local councils can bid for money from the Levelling Up Fund was supposed to go live on May 31 but was delayed.

Mr Healey (below) said: “This is massively frustrating to Rotherham Council’s team who have worked so hard to update and prepare the latest bid for funding.

“The portal is the only way councils can send in their bids; the deadline given by ministers has now passed.

“This was our chance to get funding to help boost business in Wath town centre.

“While the Conservatives are in chaos in government, it means areas like ours lose out and all the hard work by the council and community to prepare bids is put on hold, with no apology and no commitment to when things will change.”

The Department for Levelling Up disputed Mr Healey’s claims, saying they were “inaccurate” with the portal now back open.

Applications for the second round of the government’s levelling up fund opened on July 15 and will remain open until noon on August 2.