Political opinion with Sarah Owen MP: £1.5million for Luton - how would you spend it?

I know that there are lots of corners in our town that need a bit of love. The last decade and a half of cuts to government funding for everyday nice-to-haves has meant the not-so-little touches get left behind to fund services in crisis.

Since Labour came into government last summer, we’ve seen a big improvement to these services: waiting lists coming down, more NHS appointments, and an economic turnaround that has seen inflation and interest rates reduced from record highs. But I know that for many, tangible change that you can feel in your neighbourhood hasn’t come as quickly as we would all like.

That’s why the government has released millions in “Pride in Place” funding across the country to make the long-term improvements that communities want to see. Local residents get to decide where the money is spent. As part of this investment, Luton is getting £1.5million.

How would you spend it? Rachel Hopkins, the MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, and I have launched a survey: we want to hear your views because we know that it is local communities that know their areas best.

There is no restriction on ideas for where to spend the money. It could be to spruce up a local park or green space, an initiative that needs support to get off the ground, brightening up the high street, support for local organisations, or anything else.

Towns like ours have felt left behind by national governments for far too long. Luton is filled with amazing, talented, and entrepreneurial people, who deserve to live in a town that is as bright and vibrant as them. This funding is only the start, but it is crucial and welcome to have a Labour government that is dedicated to supporting high streets, parks, and everything in between in towns like Luton.

Alongside this funding, the government is also reviewing the funding formula for local councils to better serve communities that need support, allocating money based on deprivation and need, and putting £5billion into services. That’s the difference Labour is making for Luton.

The best way to have your voice heard on where the Pride in Place funding should be spent is to fill in our survey, which you can find on my website sarahowen.org.uk/pride-in-place. If I can help with anything else, please do email me on [email protected]