Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale has welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement, made in Wednesday's (6 March) Spring Budget that his constituency has been allocated £5 million in capital funding to finance local cultural projects. 

The funding comes as part of the Government's Levelling Up agenda and recognises the role culture can play in supporting pride in place.

Sir John said he is delighted that the Government is ensuring areas like Maldon, that the Government has previously said are a priority for the Levelling Up Fund, will now see the benefit from this investment in the local community. 

He added: "I am looking forward to seeing how this funding can significantly regenerate the local economy and cultural activities, be it maritime tourism, local libraries, grassroots sport, and may more projects in need of fresh investment." 

Sir John says he plans to meet with Maldon District Council to discuss an investment plan for this funding, focused on supporting cultural activity in the local area.

The Government has invited the council to draw up its own plan for where it thinks the funding ought to be best distributed.