The Conservatives have ditched their leveling-up agenda to tackle regional inequalities. Shadow leveling up secretary, Lisa Nandy is expected to say promises “made with a bang are fading with a whimper”.
She will also announce plans to give community groups first refusal on buying local buildings such as pubs. The leveling-up department has been contacted for a response. The Conservative policy of leveling up aims to close the gap between rich and poor parts of the country, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies says is greater in the UK than in other comparable countries.
It formed a key part of Boris Johnson’s general election campaign in 2019, which saw the Tories win seats in traditional Labour strongholds in the Midlands and the north of England.
Ms. Nandy will introduce a Labour “right to buy” policy which would give communities first refusal when Assets of Community Value (ACV) come up for sale. Labour would expand the period from six months to 12 and give local groups powers to force the sale of land or buildings – such as long-term vacant high street property – in a state of significant disrepair. Ms. Nandy says the party’s policy will be “the first step on the way to greater financial autonomy for our towns, villages, and cities”.
