A LEADING member of Shropshire Council's Cabinet has admitted he and his colleagues are 'disappointed' the Government's 'Levelling Up' White Paper has not included projects for the county.

Councillor Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, reacted after the White Paper was introduced into parliament on Wednesday.

Cllr Potter says that they have been overlooked in its bid to bring more money into the county – including north Shropshire – which he says is one of the lowest funded in the UK.

He said: "We are one of the lowest funded councils in the country and our rurality is not recognised in our funding.

"For example we have the same population as Nottingham but are 42 times bigger, yet they have 10 per cent more spending power than we do.

“But once again Shropshire has been overlooked and has missed out and at the moment we feel overlooked, unrecognised, taken for granted and completely undervalued.

“Last year our three bids to the Levelling Up Fund – bidding for £60m for Craven Arms, Oswestry, Shrewsbury – were unsuccessful.

"We also missed out on High Street Funding even though we were held as an exemplar of good practice.

"And we had hoped to be invited to submit a County Deal and we had been working on an ambitious programme of devolution and investment approaching £1bn.

"We feel there is a big urban metropolitan divide with rural areas such as Shropshire.

"West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has been given over £3bn to spend on infrastructure since coming to office and we’ve just seen Wolverhampton has been chosen for even more as part of today’s announcement.

"We have contributed almost £200,000 to WMCA and have had nothing in return.

“The Union Connectivity Review by Sir Peter Hendy made scant reference to Shropshire and failed to recognise the importance of our road and rail connectivity to Wales, especially as Shropshire accounts for over half of the English Welsh border.

"Likewise, the Strategic Rail Review failed to recognise the strategic role of Shropshire as a gateway to Wales and the centre of Heart of Wales line between Manchester and Cardiff.

“We recognise that in many ways Shropshire is attractive with a good quality of life and has many aspects we are all proud of.

"However, there are many people who are struggling to access affordable housing, have inadequate public transport and are looking for better quality jobs and opportunities to improve their skills.

"We also recognise that we have thousands of businesses who are striving to succeed and with just a little additional support are ready to take the next big steps in their success and development."

Cllr Potter added the council will take time to reflect on the news and continue to work with stakeholders.

He added: “Levelling up was supposed to be different.

"The wealth of the UK is generated in places such as Shropshire, yet we have at least one hand, if not two, tied behind our backs. If Levelling up does not address the structural challenges we face then what will?”