Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to (a) encourage the allocation of (i) the £25 million Towns Fund funding and (ii) other recent funding for Dudley to the redevelopment of the town centre and (b) ensure that the widest possible consultation is carried out so that local people help decide what is right for their town.

As set out in the Towns Fund further guidance, we know town centres and high streets are facing particular challenges. We are leaving flexibility for towns to prioritise investment across the town – for example, in gateway areas, key education or employment sites.

The Town Deal Board is responsible for producing the final Town Investment Plan, including putting forward suitable projects which align with the objectives of the Towns Fund. It is crucial that interventions supported through the Towns Fund should have the support of the community, through early and ongoing engagement and genuine partnership arrangements.