The Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole conurbation is hoping to benefit from the government’s Levelling Up agenda.

Cllr Toby Johnson, lead member for Levelling Up and Skills, BCP Council, said: “As one of the UK’s first local authorities to create a dedicated lead member role for Levelling Up we are prepared and are ready to work together with government to bring future investment to the areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that need it most.

“Our region has great strengths, but we know we need to widen opportunities so that more people can fulfil their potential. Through our corporate strategy and Big Plan we have set out a commitment to provide high quality homes at all levels of affordability in sustainable environments that put people and communities at the heart of future regeneration and investment. We are determined to improve opportunities around skills, bring about better paid jobs and help people to lead active, healthy and independent lives. This is levelling up in the purest sense and we welcome the opportunities presented to us through the government’s Levelling Up agenda to improve the standard of living for our communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and help our region reach its full productivity potential.

“We know many will understandably be concerned with investment going to the north however with our laser focus on knowing what we need to do to make sure the success of Levelling Up is delivered across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we are giving government the confidence that our region is the place to focus future investment.

“Our next step is to digest the detail set out in the government’s White Paper and work with our local communities to take forward our investment plans.”