£20m in extra funding for Carmarthenshire over the next decade – £2 million more each year for 10 years – is to be spent on reviving our towns and villages here, inspired and driven by the passion and ideas of local people.
I’m proud to have been able to secure this money from the UK Government for our area. Money that can be used to provide our communities with the chance to renew and rebuild, breathing new life into our streets, public facilities and green spaces.
From investing in sports facilities to installing more litter bins, improving street cleaning to saving much loved community assets for future generations, this funding under the “Pride in Place” programme will be prioritised locally and led by those who know our communities best.
I’m keen to make sure that my Llanelli constituency gets its fair share and that decisions on priorities and projects are made at a grassroots level giving as much power and control to local people as possible.
Only by truly listening to communities, businesses, voluntary groups, young people, sports clubs and the many other organisations based in and working on the ground here can we use this money wisely and effectively. Local people really must be able to call the shots on how it is allocated. That is why, I will be pressing for the consultation and management of this scheme to be as open, transparent and accessible as possible.
This funding is one part of a more complex jigsaw needed to reverse 14 years of Tory austerity and decline. It is only the start of a process of recovery and of delivering the lasting change that we all want to see. However, if we fully embrace this opportunity it can go some way to helping restore confidence in Llanelli and the surrounding areas, attracting further investment, new jobs and sustainable growth.
Carmarthenshire is one of nine areas in Wales to get this much needed boost and we are part of a wider UK Labour Government plan totalling £5bn across the UK.
The announcement is only the start of the journey, not the end. I want to make sure that every pound of this £20 million goes to the things that matter most to local people. Whether that’s better facilities for children and young people, safer and cleaner streets, support for small businesses, or improvements to our parks and green spaces – it should be you who sets the priorities.
I’m determined to work with local people every step of the way to see that happen and details of how you can get involved and make your voice heard will be confirmed soon.
I want to thank everyone who has already been in touch with me already to share their views. Together, we can ensure this £20 million delivers lasting change for our communities.
