The government has today released details of a massive £6bn worth of investments for the regions which has been designated for the use of local government to boost local economies. The money is earmarked for projects that support local businesses, the creation of new jobs, new housing developments and local infrastructure improvements, with all decisions to be made on where the money is spent being taken by local authorities.

The money is the first instalment of a total of £12bn that the coalition government is allocating in its new ‘Growth Deals’ for the regions of England. The Prime Minister has said that he sees these regional deals as a crucial part of the government’s long-term economic plan. They are aimed at decentralizing the London-focus that the economy appears to have and making cities and towns into ‘powerhouses’ of their own. It is envisaged that by giving the control back to local organisations then it can create thousands of new jobs.

It is expected that this investment will lead to work being undertaken on more then 150 main roads, 150 housing developments and 20 rail stations, as well as starting and expanding super-fast broadband networks.

The opposition feels that this package doesn’t go far enough and this is backed up a report in 2012 by former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine, but at least it is a start and should see another rise in employment in the construction sector. So it’s time to get stocked up with Dickies Coveralls and jackets as it looks like you are going to need them, whatever area you are based, as here are some of the projects that will be receiving funds:

1. £23 million for a new road tunnel linking Swindon to Wichelstowe, opening up a new site for thousands of new homes.

2. £18 million to revamp the Metrolink, which will get twelve new trams and overhauled stations as part of a £50 million package for Greater Manchester.

3. The creation of a new National Agri-Food Campus in York.

4. A Glass Academy in Sheffield to train people to work in the city’s glassworks and an Oil and Gas Academy in the Tees Valley.