Power to Change’s response to the Government’s Spending Review 2020

HOME 5 News 5 Power to Change’s response to the Government’s Spending Review 2020
Responding to the Government’s Spending Review 2020, CEO of independent trust Power to Change Vidhya Alakeson, said:
25 Nov, 2020

“We’re pleased to see that the government has recognised the importance of communities in the UK’s economic recovery. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s focus on community-owned assets and civic infrastructure – which will be vital in driving local economic development – is a very welcome step. We were disappointed there’s no mention of a dedicated £150million Community Ownership Fund, which was a commitment of the 2019 Conservative Party election manifesto. However, Power to Change will be on hand to use our community ownership expertise to help guide government on the design and delivery of the UKSPF, so that it works for communities.

“While we welcome the spirit of the Levelling Up Fund, to support ‘the infrastructure of everyday life’, there is a real risk that this centrally-controlled funding does not deliver against its aims. In many places, the Towns Fund has had very little community involvement. If the Levelling Up Fund follows a similar path, it won’t deliver the benefits government would like to see – stronger local economies driven by local people who understand their place.”