Budget boost of £2.5bn to 'help reignite the region'

HELP TO TACKLE WEST MIDS POVERTY

- STAFF REPORTER

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves’ budget handed the West Midlands £2.5bn to tackle poverty and drive new growth, jobs and homes, this week

The cash will ‘help reignite the region’ economy with several initiatives to create jobs and housing

The cash pot, overseen by mayor Richard Parker, will help drive forward his West Midlands Growth Plan which sets out to create 100,000 jobs, 120,000 new homes and better public transport.

The four-year funding package announced includes:

■£530m for skills and job support so local people can land the jobs being created

■£177m for new homes with a focus on more social and affordable housing

■£232m for economic regeneration including the revitalisation of high streets and town centres by helping startup businesses move into empty premises