By Dan Antunes
In a deal originally proposed by Theresa May back in March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently re-announced plans for 3.6 Billion funding in the top 100 poorest or underfunded areas in the UK.
The boost for ‘left behind towns’ aims to ‘turbocharge regional growth’, similar to what the South East has seen in the past couple of decades.
With the main focus on transport, most notably a new TransPennine rail link from Manchester to Leeds, Johnson wants to do for the north what Crossrail did for London.
As part of his four ingredients for UK success (liveability, connectivity, culture and power and responsibility), the plan will also boost resources for fighting crime and broadband connectivity in areas in the top 100 list.
As the 56th most unfunded/deprived area, Kirklees will also be seen to benefit from the pledge with the main focuses being essential for revitalising the infrastructure of the town.
If lines like the Sheffield to Huddersfield line or general bus services can be improved the town may see a new lease of life come into it through increased foot traffic and tourism.
Planning to be published in Autumn after the processing of HS2, the rehashed plan may also see the development of Leeds as the next UK powerhouse after London and Manchester.
Already fighting to build better links to the Leeds-Bradford airport, further emphasis on getting to Leeds from Manchester will see a boom for the city which already boasts one of the fastest city growth rates in the country.
Statistics for the most deprived areas have been taken from NHS, Office for National Statistics and other government bodies.