In response to today’s Levelling Up Fund announcement by the Government, Rachael Maskell MP for York Central said:

“Today’s announcement highlights how this LibDem/Green Council always puts the interests of visitors ahead of local people, and shows complete indifference to the challenges faced by York’s most deprived communities. Although York is an incredible city, we also have some of the poorest areas in the whole country.  The Council had a rare opportunity to get vital funding for these places.  Instead, they submitted a bid for a city centre vanity project and, of course, ended up with nothing.

“We need a Council that cares about all our communities, and prioritises effort and investment on securing the jobs and infrastructure people in York urgently need.  Pet projects that pack the city centre with more tourists, luxury flats and paving, is not where the Council’s focus should be.  This out of touch bid has let down our poorest areas, and wasted this precious opportunity to make a difference where it matters. Labour will always put the people of York first.

“Government have further failed our city by denying the funding to establish a new rail station in Haxby. Labour believe that investing in sustainable transport is a priority and will seek to transform our transport system when elected.

“Labour will end the beauty contest culture of project funding, instead strategically investing in transforming the economy and ensuring everyone lives in a community they are proud to be part of.”

Luke Charters, Labour Candidate for York Outer said:

“Once again York has been left behind by the Conservatives. Tory favouritism means Rishi Sunak’s constituency gets millions whilst York projects such as Haxby station are now at risk. Julian Sturdy again fails to deliver for our communities. York Outer needs a new hardworking MP that will get our city back on track.”