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“Levelling up should be led by evidence of where crucial investment needs to go to, not based on costly competitive bids between areas."

"The Government must now work with councils and combined authorities to overcome any additional local challenges caused by the delay and make the introduction of the fund a success."

“Turning levelling up from a political slogan to a reality will only be achieved if councils have the powers and funding they need to address regional inequality, tackle concentrations of deprivation and make towns and communities across England attractive places to live, work and visit."

“Levelling up is at the heart of what councils and combined authorities want for their communities and they have a critical role to play in achieving the 12 national missions set out in this wide-ranging white paper."

“As this report highlights, awarding funding in small pots on a competitive basis has created uncertainty and hindered councils’ ability to plan strategically for their communities.

Councils have called on the Government to provide urgent clarity on the future of the Community Renewal Fund, after announcements of successful projects have been delayed.

“Councils are at the forefront of efforts to lead the recovery from the pandemic, which includes delivering economic growth that is sustainable and benefits all. We want to work closely with the Government to help deliver on its levelling up commitment and deliver local investment across all parts of the country."

"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership."

Responding to a report from the House of Lords Public Services Committee on the Government’s ambition to level up the country, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “The pandemic has shown that, with the right funding and freedoms, councils can improve people’s lives. It is therefore important that this report recognises that the recovery from COVID-19 needs to include greater powers being given to local councils and their communities. “Bringing greater resources and powers over key responsibilities, such as skills, transport and housing, closer to

The LGA is calling on the Government to use the Queen’s Speech to bring forward “turbo-charged” proposals for devolution that give all councils across country the power to meet the challenges and opportunities facing their communities over the coming decade.