In a Parliamentary question yesterday (16^th October) to Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Fabricant asked Michael Gove when the third round of Levelling Up Fund Bids will be invited.

Michael Fabricant: “As my Hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock has said, there are pockets of deprivation even in wealthier areas, and that includes Lichfield District.

“Will the Secretary of State give some indication of what sort of timescale there might be for the next round of applications?”

The Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove answered: “I simply cannot believe that there are any pockets of deprivation in Lichfield, given who has been representing that constituency since 1992. The idea that there is any home unvisited by its Member of Parliament or that there is any hearth where there is a chill seems to me be inconceivable!

“But nevertheless, we will make sure that levelling-up fund round 3 is brought forward just in advance of the autumn statement, and Staffordshire, I hope, will have its voice heard.”

Michael Fabricant now says:  “This means that the third round of Levelling Up Fund Bids is likely to be announced in about a month’s time; before 22^nd November – the date of the Autumn Financial Statement.  The rules for the past two bids were that the fund was available for one of three categories:  post-industrial towns, failing seaside towns, and ex mining communities.  The City of Lichfield didn’t meet any of these criteria, but Burntwood does.  I hope Lichfield District may find a suitable project in Burntwood if the rules for the third round of levelling up awards is based on the first two rounds.”