Cash to revive austerity-hit areas

Locals will decide how to spend it

- BY LIZZY BUCHAN Political Editor

KEIR Starmer will hand towns and cities £5billion to revive high streets battered by 14 years of crippling Tory austerity.

The PM yesterday unveiled his vision for communities left behind due to a lack of funds and political neglect - as the far-right tries to hijack the misery in a bid to stoke division and hate.

And locals will decide how the cash is spent, from reviving empty stores and pubs to creating new green spaces and facilities.

Mr Starmer said: "For too long people have watched their towns decline, powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now."

In a veiled swipe at Reform leader Nigel Farage, he added: "We're investing in the UK's future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across the country. Because it's people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.

"This is a huge investment but what matters most is who decides how it's spent — the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best. The people with real skin in the game.