Wolverhampton Council 'failing to back enterprise' - Tories say authority failed to make use of £189,000 support cash

Councillor Wendy Dalton, deputy leader of the authority's opposition Conservative group, said the council's business growth service had underspent its budget by £189,000, driven by unfilled vacancies and unutilised grant funding.

She said: "This isn’t just a number on a balance sheet. This money was allocated to help our local businesses grow, create jobs, and contribute to the city's economy. 

"In a cost of living crisis, every pound counts, and Labour is failing to deliver on the most basic function of local government, investing in its people and economy. This underspend reflects a lack of strategic ambition and poor leadership.

“Time and again we hear empty slogans about ‘Our City: Our Plan’ and big-picture priorities,” said Councillor Dalton. “But when it comes to real investment, such as putting boots on the ground and supporting the businesses that fuel our economy, they fall short. You don’t help people by sitting on your hands.”

Councillor Dalton also accused the City Investment Board - made of council and business leaders and MPs to oversee the spending of regeneration cash - of failing to make any meaningful impact.

"Instead of acting as a driver of economic change, the board has become a 'back-patting session' for senior Labour figures, lacking transparency, vision, and measurable success," she said.

Wolverhampton Council was contacted for comment.