CULTURE BOOST

 ‘£5m’ Budget offer to boost Erewash culture 

Erewash council has welcomed a surprise levelling-up boost in the Budget – of a potential £5million towards “culture projects” in the borough. The sum emerged after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s speech in the Commons. Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young contacted Erewash’s leader Cllr James Dawson to outline what is being offered. His letter confirmed: “Erewash Borough Council has provisionally been awarded up to £5million of capital funding as part of the Spring Budget to support local culture projects in your area. This provisional funding recognises the crucial role culture can play in levelling up and supporting pride in place.” 

The council will be invited to submit an investment plan “focused on supporting cultural activity” in the borough. The ringfenced money will not go towards the cash-squeezed authority’s day-to-day finances. Mr Young said officials would be in touch, adding: “I look forward to working closely with you over the coming months.” Cllr Dawson said: “This is something that is sorely needed and we will be actively following up to find out more. The council will be working with key stakeholders to identify where the potential investment can be put to best use for the benefit of all residents across Erewash.”