Swindon Labour MPs Anne Snelgrove and Michael Wills have welcomed news that Swindon will be one of six local authorities to take part in a pilot project to improve how funding is delivered. Housing and Local Government Minister John Healey announced that Swindon will be part of the programme today.

Anne said:

“This is great news for Swindon and I am pleased that my many conversations with the Minister have put Swindon at the front of the queue. The Total Capital Approach will allow for funding and investment to be brought together and streamlined to increase the impact of new projects. This is another example of Ministers delivering for Swindon and I look forward to the project starting.”

Michael said:

 “I am pleased that Swindon has been selected to pilot this new project. I have been lobbying Government for such a project for years because I know that many residents are concerned about funding for infrastructure around new developments in Swindon. I hope Swindon Borough Council will work closely with me and Anne Snelgrove and the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure the project’s success.”

The Total Capital Approach is being piloted in Swindon, Southwark, Birmingham, Leicester, Greater Manchester and Durham. The Homes and Communities Agency has developed the proposals. The project will look to create a more defined and clear vision for development and growth which will maximise the overall impact of investment. The project will also look at the past costs of not aligning capital investment.

ENDS

10 December 2009