We are pleased to learn today that Gravesham has been awarded £20 million as part of the third round of awards of the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund.
Cllr John Burden, the Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, explains why this is so important for our community.
“This funding will make a real difference to the lives of the residents of some of the country’s most deprived wards which can be found within our urban areas of Gravesend and Northfleet, as well as bringing wider benefits to the whole Gravesham community.
“There is a reason that the Government identified Gravesham as a priority 1 area for levelling-up, as we experience some of the greatest health and wellbeing inequalities right here in our borough.
“We have more than 200 households in temporary accommodation; this morning, almost 2,500 households woke up in relative poverty; 16.6% of 16-64-year-olds in the borough are claiming Universal Credit; 42% of Year 6 children are classified as overweight, and nearly one-in-three adults in the borough are physically inactive.
“We will work with the relevant Government departments to ensure this vital and welcome funding is used in a targeted and effective way on a specific project to tackle these and other challenges we face today.”