Community leaders across the North East have welcomed a new £15m Community Recovery Fund aimed at providing vital support to areas affected by the recent unrest following the tragic incident in Southport in July.
Sunderland, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough are among the areas that could benefit from the fund announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner.
On Wednesday, the Communities & Recovery Steering Group, led by Ms Rayner, met to discuss the response to the disorder experienced over summer, supporting affected places and how this Government will empower communities to address the deeper roots of the unrest.
The support package will be distributed to local leaders, allowing them to partner with local communities direct the funding to the areas most in need and as they see fit to best support their community’s recovery.
This can include repairing damage to high streets and buildings or more medium-term initiatives to strengthen community cohesion.
Joined by Ministers from across Government, including the Home Secretary, the Deputy Prime Minister led a discussion on support for communities affected by the unrest and work to help address its causes.
This is an exceptional fund which is being delivered as a result of the widespread nature and extent of the disorder, as well as the significant repercussions the unrest has had on communities and religious groups.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “In the immediate aftermath of the unrest, I was heartened to see the extent to which communities so quickly came together to support one another and their local areas.
“This new Community Recovery Fund will support the work that is already underway and ensure that communities have the resources they need to rebuild.
“Yesterday’s Ministerial meeting signalled a reset in this new government’s approach to communities and cohesion – a partnership approach which spans all of government, laser-focused on unearthing the factors that drove unrest and prevent them from reoccurring.”
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “Having spent time with communities impacted by the recent disorder, we cannot underestimate the lasting fear and distress the violence has caused.
“I’m pleased that the Government has recognised the need to help these communities to rebuild and recover, both environmentally and emotionally, from the horrific scenes earlier this year.
“My team and I remain engaged in conversations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough about how we ensure our area comes out of this challenging period stronger and more cohesive than before.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “The appalling behaviour we witnessed in Middlesbrough last month does not represent this town and it will not define us.
“The true spirit of our town and its people was embodied in the incredible clean-up operation that followed, and the police and criminal justice system are now dealing swiftly and effectively with the tiny minority whose violence and hate speech have no place in our communities.
“The scars remain however, so this funding is a welcome contribution to the work already under way to support those worst affected and rebuild long-term confidence and resilience across Middlesbrough.
“I’m also determined to see further investment in the provision of youth support services, which will help steer our young people away from the sort of behaviour that can blight the rest of their lives.”
Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Michael Mordey said: "We welcome the announcement and the Government’s ongoing support.
"We can confirm that we have received a letter from the Deputy Prime Minister outlining funding that is being awarded to the council for targeted activities.
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"We look forward to receiving further guidance from the Government on the use of the funding and to working with all our communities.
"Perhaps most importantly, we are looking to a continuing dialogue with Government about longer-term fixes and solutions."
"And, as we have already stated, we are coming back from the events of August stronger and closer together."
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