Leeds City Council calls for help to shape town’s future

Morley is one of 101 places across the country invited to bid for up to £25m funding from the Government’s Towns Fund to support economic development and investment. Leeds City Council is leading the bid, and is recruiting to a new board that will help decide a Town Deal Investment Plan which will form the bid for funds.

The Town Deal Board will play an important role in representing the local community, advising Leeds City Council, generating investment ideas, engaging local businesses and residents and providing expert insight to shape a transformational vision for the town.

The Government has asked that private sector representatives play a strong role in the Board and alongside community and public sector interests the Council is seeking people with a range of backgrounds and perspectives but each with clear links to the town and a desire to support its continued growth and transformation. The ideal board members should be passionate, informed and knowledgeable about the town’s needs, challenges and opportunities and able to commit time and expertise to support the development of the plan.

The Council’s bid to access government funding will include measures to address the local impacts of COVID-19, and kick-start economic recovery. The bid will be subject to wider consultations before being submitted in January 2021.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for local people to get involved in the delivery of sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Morley. Building on the Council’s strong track record of working with local businesses and partners to help drive positive change across Leeds, the Morley Town Deal Board will play a key role in coordinating and developing a local regeneration strategy and strengthening the relationships to further that growth here.

“Working with partners through the board I look forward to supporting the growth of jobs and skills in the area, promoting local culture and heritage and tackling the challenges of climate change.

“We have a tight timescale to develop the strategy due to the lockdown in recent months, but I know there is real ambition and potential in Morley that will be turned into a strong vision and unlocked very quickly through this work.”

Andrea Jenkyns, Member of Parliament for Morley and Outwood, said:

“I'm overjoyed that Morley has been selected as one of 101 towns that can bid for up to £25 Million in government funding for regeneration and driving economic growth.

“I have already had discussions with ministers and local stakeholders, so we can work towards a bid that works for everyone in Morley.

“This new board is a fantastic opportunity for local business people and community representatives to have a real influence on how this Town Deal will transform our local area and help to write its next chapter.”

Individuals interested in applying to join the Morley Town Deal Board should express their interest by emailing MorleyTownDeal@leeds.gov.uk before 14 August.