East of England receiving considerably less Government investment than other regions
New report finds that the amount of money pledged to help region level up is well below national average
The East of England has been disadvantaged from the very outset of the UK Government's Levelling Up programme, according to a report into this year's Spending Review.
The analysis, conducted by the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA), has found that just three of the region’s seven priority one geographical areas for Levelling Up will receive an allocation through the Levelling Up Fund.
They say this creates a clear risk that other deprived areas within the East of England will be left out, and left behind, in the wider levelling up of the UK.
Councillor Linda Haysey is their Chairperson: "What we are demonstrating is that the East of England, as a region was not treated in a way that we believe was fair or appropriate.
"There are a number of areas within the region, even though we are perceived to be a wealthy green and leafy, that are categorized as being in priority areas one including Peterborough, Luton, Harlow, Southend-on-Sea and Yarmouth.
"We absolutely do believe that there should be significant investment in the North of England and the Midlands. However, I do not believe that we, in the East have been fairly treated in terms of the money that should come into a region, which is largely and appropriately contributes to the Treasury."
She is making reference to the fact that the East of England, along with London and the South-East are the only regions that contribute more to the UK treasury than it draws.
"One does not cut the legs of a Golden Goose and if the government wants to carry on levelling up in other parts of the country, it has to have an income and we generate that income through our taxes and our business rates" she says.
The report also found that investment in improving transport pledged to the East by the Government was less than other regions 'by a considerable margin'. Councillor Haysey, who is also leader of the East Herts Council says, "In the rural areas where we are, the digital infrastructure is bad. The road connectivity is bad.
"We have some of the largest docks and importers of goods from around the world on our coast. We need to be able to get those goods into the country and across the country and at the moment that is very difficult."
On the need for better digital connectivity, EELGA say many rural areas are currently digital 'not-spots' and are urging that the Government increases its target of homes with gigabit capability from 85 percent to 100 percent. Councillor Haysey adds, "The area is very innovative. We house some of the really key industries of health care, bio-technology and the creative industries.
"They are all supported very largely by SME's, often operating out of a bedroom or a starting out in the garage and if those businesses do not have good digital connectivity and then we are going to start falling behind."
Another crucial area where urgent investment is needed is social care. When asked if the current funding is adequate, Councillor Haysey says its not nearly enough to meet the demands of the region.
"With an aging population around the Eastern region, social care is a major problem both for adults and for children. It needs to be properly funded and the level of professionalism with with our carers needs to be recognized.
"I think we have to also increase levels of pay for our carers. They are key workers within our system, within our economy and the standard of care they provide need to be recognized."
The MP for Waveney, Peter Aldous recently called on Government and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up to meet with East MPs to discuss this lack of funding for the region.
Councillor Haysey explains what kind of investment the association would like to see. "It's the infrastructure. It's the digital work. It's the recognition of the importance of adult and social care services. But we're not just saying we want, we are saying to government: We will come into partnership with you. This is what you will gain from us as a partner. In return, this is what we ask.
As local politicians, we are here for the quality of life and maintaining the respect our residents deserve and need."