Huw Merriman, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, has today welcomed Rother District Council receiving £50,000 in capacity funding to support the development of the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Bexhill.

The Government announced in October that Bexhill had been selected as one of the first 55 towns to be given access to a £20 million ten-year endowment-style fund. This levelling up funding seeks to boost opportunities and prosperity in areas that have previously been overlooked and gives local people a say on where investment should be made, such as regenerating local high streets and town centres. This funding is on top of the combined £40 million of investment Rother has been awarded from the Levelling Up Fund and Levelling Up Partnership.

The £50,000 capacity funding that has been received by the district council today will help support the appointment of a chair of the new Town Board and begin initial community engagement. The board will bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the MP, to develop and deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation

On 1 April 2024, once boards are in place, the Government will release the next £200,000 of capacity funding to support the development of the Long-Term Plan and assist with further community engagement. 

Commenting on today’s news, Huw said:

“I am pleased that Bexhill has received the first instalment of the Long-Term Plan for Towns funding. I am looking forward to being part of the new Town Board and beginning work with the community to ensure we develop a strong plan that will leave a lasting legacy for the town.” 

Earlier this week, the Government published guidance on how towns should develop their Long-Term Plans. These must be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by 1 August 2024.