MPs urge Rayner to deal with council cash delays

Three local MPs, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, have written to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner protesting over delays in the "promised" payment of £6m levelling up cash.

Nandy, a Wigan MP, alongside Leigh’s Jo Platt and Ashton-in-Makerfield’s Josh Simmons, said the hold up in the payout to Wigan Council meant the authority could have to borrow the money as "a last resort" to fund major projects.

In their letter, they urged Rayner to ensure "already struggling local authorities are not pushed over the brink".

Their plea to the deputy prime minister, who is also secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government, comes ahead of the Budget next week.

The Labour MPs' letter states Wigan Council was told by Ms Rayner’s department that there would be a two month delay in the levelling up scheme payments.

Projects, such as the ongoing restoration of Haigh Hall, would be disrupted by the cashflow issues caused by the hold-up, they argued.

"The council cannot afford to have that £6m delayed, especially given the expenditure has already occurred," the MPs write.

"Wigan council are extremely concerned about the prospect of having to borrow this money as a last resort," they added.

"It is vital that we support that and do not leave our proud towns in an impossible position."

Leader of the Labour-led Wigan Council David Molyneux said the authority was working with local MPs to ensure "these vital projects for our borough become a reality."

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