Torridge District Council has said that it is pleased to announce that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Levelling Up Partnership with Torridge following the pause caused by the General Election and subsequent spending review.

The confirmation comes after fears for the future of the fund, worth up to £20-million to the area was revealed by the MP for Torridge and West Devon, Sir Geoffrey Cox, QC.

The Government’s Autumn Budget confirmed Torridge is still included in the Government funding plans for Levelling Up. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) will continue its partnership with the council, allocating up to £20 million in funding for various projects throughout the district.

The Place Board, established in February 2024, will continue to work with MHCLG Ministers and officials to ensure alignment with the new Government’s mission-led approach. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

Cllr Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I'm pleased to hear that the Government has chosen to continue its support for the Levelling Up Partnership, this will enable Torridge to flourish in the future. I would therefore like to extend my gratitude to the devoted members of the Place Board, who worked tirelessly to produce a Place Story that will help the Government to see how the investment will truly benefit our district.”

Paul Coles, chair of Torridge Place Board, said: “I wholeheartedly share the enthusiasm expressed by my colleagues regarding this significant and promising announcement. There exists substantial potential within Torridge and northern Devon to enhance our key sectors while creating new opportunities in areas such as high-tech engineering and clean maritime technologies, among others. As Chair, I wish to extend my gratitude to the Place Board for their dedicated efforts.”

Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Cox KC, MP for Torridge and West Devon, said: “The whole of Torridge will, like me, be relieved and pleased the Labour Government has decided to retain the Levelling Up Partnerships, which were developed and granted by the Conservative Government to galvanise growth and economic opportunity in areas such as ours.

“I have no doubt they have been retained because the partnerships are an innovative and creative approach to the regeneration of previously neglected districts and were awarded to only 20 areas in the country, regardless of the nature of their political representation, including many represented by Labour MPs. The Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre, which was the subject of our original £16-million winning Levelling Up bid, is already underway.

“This Partnership, which is worth another £20-million, will inevitably be slightly delayed, but I very much hope we can now move forward swiftly with the unprecedented public investment this vital programme should now bring.”