Fiona pressed on if and how Congleton would benefit from the Future High Streets Fund in a Written Question to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government this week. 

Fiona's question: 

"To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of how Congleton constituency (a) has benefited to date and (b) will benefit from the Future High Streets Fund."

Luke Hall MP, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government responded: 

"Our high streets and town centres have a crucial role to play in the recovery of local economies and our Towns Fund, which includes up to £1 billion as part of the Future High Streets Fund competition, is key to delivering this.

In line with the Future High Street Fund supplementary guidance, Cheshire East Council were eligible to submit three Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the fund based on population size. Congleton was not selected by Cheshire East Council at the EOI stage. In due course we will bring forward a competitive round of the Towns Fund and will welcome proposals from local authorities to transform our towns and high streets driving up long term regeneration and economic growth."