Millions of pounds in town deal money suspended

The decision to suspend the towns’ fund came ahead of the government announcing it was to suspend four city and growth deals.

The Derry and Belfast deals were ultimately progressed with uncertainty remaining over the Mid South West region, and Causeway Coast and Glens deals.

Both council areas say they were told of the Towns Fund decision by the Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris MP.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “The council has progressed with the establishment of a co-design approach to managing the fund with the nomination of co-chairs and drafting a partnership arrangement for the Town Board.

“The council waits for further details on next steps and confirmation of the revised timelines. It is assumed that further information will become available after the Autumn statement. “

A statement posted by Causeway Coast and Glens says the council is waiting on further updates from the government before any further action is taken in relation to the Coleraine Future Town Fund.

A ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson says a number of regions have been asking about the funding and “further details would be set out in due course.”