• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

  • News
  • Things to do
  • Radio
  • More
    • Food & drink
    • Business
  • About
    • Comments
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
  • Radio
  • WIN
  • Tonne of tins
  • Vouchers
  • Listen live »
Around the World in 80 days - York Theatre Royal

Levelling up: Labour blames York Lib Dems for funding bid failure

York Central Labour MP Rachael Maskell and Lib Dem council leader Keith Aspden. Photo montage: YorkMix
Thu 19 Jan, 2023 @ 7.07 pm News Joe Cooper - Local Democracy Reporter

Labour MP Rachael Maskell has accused York’s Lib Dem councillors rather than the government for the city’s failure to get levelling up cash.

Major city centre regeneration projects in York have been dealt a blow after the council again received nothing from the government’s levelling up fund.

But rather direct her criticism at the Conservative government, Ms Maskell blamed the Lib Dem-Green coalition that run City of York Council.

York Cycle Campaign
York Cycle Campaign #Ad

“Our Lib Dem-Green council have blown it for York because they had a great opportunity here to really put in a bid which would have transformed people’s lives and made a real difference,” the York Central MP said.

“But in homing in on a pet project they clearly haven’t achieved the aim.”

Members of parliament were allowed to support one of their council’s bids as part of the process.


  • York gets nothing from the levelling up fund – PM’s constituency is only North Yorkshire winner
  • Levelling up now ‘just a slogan used to gaslight the North’ – Fury as York regeneration bids rejected

Ms Maskell said she had written a statement which was “more of a critique” of the £20 million city centre bid, but said she had learnt that this was not ultimately submitted to the government.

York Labour group leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the council had “put all its eggs in the levelling up fund basket” when it came to flagship projects.

“That gamble has failed and now, with costs spiralling out of control, they appear unable to deliver the projects they previously boasted about,” she added.

The council re-submitted the bid it lost out on in round one of the funding – with some refinements – after receiving “positive” feedback and being encouraged to do so by the government.

York is part of the lowest priority areas list in the government’s levelling up fund process, though a small number of areas in the same band have received funding.

Council leader Cllr Keith Aspden said the news was “disappointing”.

“Regrettably the government has not recognised that York faces some serious challenges and shares with other areas across the North of England the need for targeted investment in the city’s future,” he said.

Luke Charters, the Labour candidate for York Outer, said: “Once again York has been left behind by the Conservatives.”

York Outer’s Conservative MP Julian Sturdy said: “It is incredibly disappointing that both of York’s bids were unsuccessful – the riverside redevelopment would revitalise the city centre economy and the active travel routes would have only added to the success of Haxby Railway Station.

“Detailed feedback is provided to all unsuccessful bids so I hope to work with City of York Council and stakeholders across the city to ensure future bids have a better outcome.

“The future of York is bright with York Central, Castle Gateway, a new railway station at Haxby and many more developments delivering for our city’s residents.”

Trending

  1. York’s unofficial car parks, number 1: Exhibition Square
  2. Plan to impose 20mph zones across North Yorkshire leads to furious row
  3. York restaurant with ‘incredible’ Minster views and takeaway kiosk set to open soon

Thu 19 Jan, 2023

Footer

YorkMix
News 01904 848 766
Email YorkMix news »
5-6 King's Court, Shambles, York  YO1 7LD
YorkMix Radio
General enquiries 01904 375 029
Studio/competitions 01904 375 030
Email YorkMix Radio »
Selby Superbowl, Bawtry Road, Selby  YO8 8NA
YorkMix is a trading name of YorkMix Media Ltd
Registered in England
Company number: 07814727
VAT number: 154 0364 34
© York Sound Ltd

Copyright © 2023 YorkMix Media Ltd

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT