Anna Sabine MP “deeply frustrated” as Labour Government delivers another blow to Somerset

Anna Sabine MP “deeply frustrated” as Labour Government delivers another blow to Somerset

The Government’s recent decision to withdraw the levelling up funding for culture projects, previously promised to Somerset Council to then be distributed to Frome’s Cheese and Grain, has been met with disappointment from Frome and East Somerset MP Anna Sabine and Somerset Council leader Bill Revans. 

The £1.7 million that had been provisionally awarded by the previous Conservative Government towards the Cheese and Grain’s rehearsal expansion and training plan, as part of the Levelling Up capital funding, has, under the current Labour Government, been withdrawn. This final news comes after a consultation had been announced at the Autumn Budget 2024 which suggested the funding for projects across Somerset might be at risk, but the confirmation now comes as a blow to the area. 

“I am deeply frustrated and saddened that this opportunity has been lost for Frome and East Somerset and that the Labour Government have once again chosen to redirect crucial funds to build growth in other areas of the country, to the detriment of the South West” said MP for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine following the news.

“Time and again this Government has shown a neglect for Somerset and this comes as another blow for our community. There is so much potential for economic growth around the arts and we are a hub of creativity in Frome, it’s discouraging to see such a lack of support from the Government but I have every belief in the Cheese and Grain that they will persevere and continue to grow the local economy via alternative means”.

Somerset Council which had been in talks with the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government around the bid for several projects in Somerset have also expressed their disappointment with the news, with Councillor Bill Revans saying “It’s disheartening that funds seem to have been diverted to other areas of the country. Somerset Council remains committed to providing support to the cultural sector of the economy of which the Cheese & Grain and other projects involved are such a vital part.”

The Cheese and Grain has already been pursuing alternative methods of funding in anticipation of a possible withdrawal, and both Anna and Somerset Council will continue to try to facilitate this wherever possible.