Council urges chancellor to honour Tory cash pledge

Jason Smithers, the leader of North Northamptonshire Council, says the money is the "key to growth"

A council has written to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, urging her to honour funding pledges worth £340m.

North Northamptonshire Council says the money was promised by the previous government for major infrastructure projects.

The schemes include a motorway junction, bypass and arts centre.

The government said the chancellor had made it clear that difficult decisions on spending lie ahead.

The letter to Ms Reeves starts by congratulating her on her appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

It goes on to say that £339.502m of funding was committed by the previous Conservative government for North Northamptonshire.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is being urged to honour the Conservative government's funding pledge

The leader of the Conservative-controlled authority, Jason Smithers, wrote: "This will enable us to deliver key strategic projects and I want to seek assurance that the committed funding will be forthcoming for the benefit of our residents."

He explains that the authority is launching its “Big 50 Vision” which will "make a tangible difference for future generations and ensure that they have the best possible opportunities and quality of life".

A permanent centre for Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, which creates art in public places, is one of the schemes

The projects in the vision include:

• Rebuild of Kettering General Hospital

• Isham bypass

• Transport initiatives, including bus services and pothole filling

• New junction 10A on the A14

• Cultural schemes, including Lighthouse Theatre and Fermyn Woods Country Park

The rebuild of Kettering General Hospital is one of the projects which would be funded by the money

Mr Smithers ends his letter with: "We would welcome the opportunity for you to visit North Northamptonshire and to show you the continued growth and ambition in our area.

"I look forward to receiving prompt action and your commitment that you will uphold this important earmarked investment of £339.502m which is key to us ensuring growth in our area."

A government spokesperson said: “The Chancellor has been clear that difficult decisions lie ahead on spending, welfare and tax to fix the foundations of our economy, and any decisions on how to do that will be taken at the Budget in the round.”