Statement on Eden North's omission from the Budget

The leader of Lancaster City Council, Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, has responded to the omission of funding for Eden North in today's Budget.

“Like many I was incredibly disappointed and frustrated that the Chancellor did not announce funding for Eden North as part of his Budget.

“Eden’s business case for the project is sound and the benefits it would bring are unquestioned. It is exactly the sort of ambitious and transformative project which fits in with the Government’s claims of wanting to level up the regions.

“We remain hopeful that the Government will demonstrate its commitment by other means, possibly through the £4.8bn levelling up local investment fund which has opened today. However, it would have been far better if funding had come through directly from the Treasury, rather than forcing us down the route of a competitive bidding process which is often no more than a glorified beauty contest.

“Along with all our partners we will continue to press the case for Government investment in Eden North to realise the economic, social and environmental benefits it would bring.”

You can read the reaction from Eden themselves on their website.

Last updated: 03 March 2021